Having recently had a mild dummy-spit at the behaviour of a client, rather than despair over whether or not they would ever hire me again, I decided to ‘embrace the Diva’ and not give them another second of my time … for a while anyway.

Instead, I turned off the computer, turned up the music, ran a rose-scented bubble bath (love working from home) and sipped a smooth White Port.

While luxuriating in the steam and bubbles I wondered why I didn’t feel guilty. After all, as a solo professional, isn’t it vitally important that I’m always nice to everybody all the time no matter what? I mean, don’t they all have to like me? Surely I can’t afford to show displeasure towards someone who pays me.

Then it hit me – yes, I can!

You see, confidence is a two-way street. You not only have to hold it within yourself, you also have to show it to the world. You know you’re good at what you do. Your clients know it too; they’ve reaped the benefits of working with you. So on the rare occasion when one of them has a momentary lapse in judgement and forgets, it’s perfectly reasonable to remind them.

Now, without further ado, here are my top seven reasons to celebrate the Diva within:

1. Shows complete confidence in yourself and your expertise.

2. Lets people know they are dealing with a Creative Genius.

3. Implies that you may not always be available (“Just because you want my help right now doesn’t mean that you’ll get it.”)

4. Sends the message that ‘they need you more than you need them’.

5. Gives your services a ‘high-end’ vibe and so are expected to cost more.

6. Says to the client: “You are not always right … but I am and that’s what you pay me for.”

7. Hey, it’s fun to laugh at your occasional (mis)behaviour.

So the next time you sense a Diva moment approaching, don’t be afraid. Just throw your arms wide-open, hold your head high and EMBRACE THE DIVA!