If you have reason to think that a difficult business client is a narcissist, try to plan ahead in your dealings with them. It is important to avoid openly argument or disagreement. This will only make them angry or, worse, lead them to turn on or undermine you. Try instead to anticipate. Imagine what sort of demands they might spring. This will allow you to be prepared upfront without having to enter a confrontation or give ground, both of which, in view of narcissists' inability to empathize, could be disastrous for your business relationship. Choose your words carefully. A narcissist will read criticism into very innocuous comments, resulting in a tantrum or a potentially damaging, unprofessional display. Tread lightly around a controlling business partner or client, knowing that the least word could set them off. You might not have a choice about dealing with a client, and your job may depend on getting along with them. Literally watch what you say, as well: take down the minutes of your meetings and telephone calls. Communicate very clearly about your project, timetables, and your client's expectations. This will give you support in case they make new demands or accuse you of breaking an agreement. Controlling people are often perfectionists; some of them, like Steve Jobs, are indeed visionaries. In a business situation it may be best to play to your controlling client's narcissistic tendencies. Stroke their ego without being servile. For example, lead them to think that your ideas and suggestions are really their own. Try to finesse them to the desired end rather than being goaded into an argument. The perfectionism of a controlling client will make it difficult to please. Expect constant demands on your time and to hear that your work is not good enough. Do not be surprised if the client tries to threaten or bully you or to accuse you of mismanagement. Challenging a narcissist will get you nowhere because, to them, they are always right and you are always wrong. By the same token, however, do not show hesitation or weakness. If you must, gently hold your ground and insist upon your initial agreement, using notes as back up.

Summary: Plan ahead. Watch what you say. Stroke their ego while guiding them. Do not expect to please them.

When you draft a contract to hire an independent contractor, you don't have to start from scratch. Government agencies, law firms, and other legal services have free forms available that you can copy and adapt to your needs. A template designed for independent contractors in the same industry will be easier for you to adapt. For example, if you're hiring a freelance writer to produce content for your website, you don't necessarily want to use an agreement template designed for construction contractors. Ideally, you should find an agreement that is designed to be used in the state where you live (or where the work will be performed) and drafted or reviewed by an attorney. Your agreement should include the legal names of both yourself and your independent contractor. If the independent contractor has an LLC or corporation, use the legal name of the business rather than the contractor's individual name. In contracts, it's common to spell the legal names out once initially and refer to the parties by generic titles throughout the rest of the contract. For example, you might refer to yourself as "client" and the independent contractor as "contractor." Generally, when you hire an independent contractor you only need their services for a short period of time. The contract should state specifically when the contractual relationship begins and when it will end. Even if you intend the contract to end when the work is completed, you still want a contractual deadline by which the work must be completed. If you intend the relationship to be longer term, check your state's law or consult an employment attorney to find out if there are any limitations in your state regarding the length of contracts. Your contract should include a section that sets out specifically what the contractor will be doing for you, including what they will be responsible for and how their performance will be evaluated. If the contractor is required to use any of their own tools or resources, include this information in your description of the job. Include any information about how the completed work will be submitted or delivered to you, if necessary. One section of your agreement should state specifically how much the contractor is being paid for their services, as well as when and how you're making payment. Include any conditions you want to place on final payment. For example, if you're hiring a contractor to remodel your kitchen, you may make your final payment to the contractor contingent on the work passing inspection. Include the method of payment. If you're paying through a third-party service that charges fees, your contract should state whether you or the contractor is responsible for paying those fees. All independent contractor agreements include legal language stating that the person is an independent contractor and not your employee. It may include a brief description of the responsibilities the contractor has as a result of this relationship. In some cases, it may be enough simply to include a statement that says "In providing services under this agreement, the parties agree that Contractor is an independent contractor and not an employee of Client." Some states may require specific language to create an independent contractor relationship. Make sure any form or template you use is designed to be legally valid in your state. Signing the contract before the independent contractor starts work for you ensures that the contract will legally govern the work performed. If the contractor starts work before signing the contract, they could later argue that they agreed to something different. Both you and the contractor should sign the contract. After all signatures are in place, make copies of the signed contract for the contractor and your own records.

Summary: Search online for forms or templates. Identify the parties to the agreement. Include a specific period of time. Describe the work to be performed. Provide payment terms. Define the person as an independent contractor. Get the contract signed before work starts.

Ideally, you should only apply beard pomade after a warm shower. Warm water helps open up your pores and raise up your beard hairs. This makes them more receptive to treatment and styling. Use a beard shampoo if you have it. Otherwise, you can get away with using a face wash, as long as it's not too harsh (if it's made for dealing with acne, don't use it for your beard). In either case, use a small amount, and rub it gently into your beard so it lathers. Massage the product into your skin and rinse well. Dry off your beard right after you get out of the shower. Don't be too rough with the towel, or you might rip out some hairs and end up with a less than full looking beard. It doesn't need to be bone dry, but it shouldn't be drenched either.
Summary: Take a shower. Wash your beard. Towel off.