The Mechanics

Good morning to you all.

At my business meeting this morning a group of us were discussing how to lose a client.

Anyone who has ever worked freelance knows that not all clients are created equal. There are some clients that are simply not worth working with.

A number of us made different comments (based on our personal experiences) and I thought I'd share a few of the most thoughtful ones with you.

• Always be professional and diplomatic when ending a relationship with a client. (In other words, do not make the situation personal and inflammatory. Remember word gets around and if your conduct is of the two-year-old tantrum variety people will find out about it!)
  
• Writing a concise and clear letter informing the client of the termination is a very professional way to approach a client. (This gives your ex-client the time and distance necessary to really think through your termination. Note: Having someone else read your letter before you send it is always a good way to avoid any emotional words that may have slipped in.)
• Have a clear concept of how you want to run your business and what your limitations are. (If you already have a business model that you follow new clients won't be able to push you around. They may try but you can then firmly say how you choose to work, and how you don't.)
• Make sure that you are upfront and very clear about how you charge and what your fee will be for the project. (If you don't do this clients will complain that they were not informed about your fee and often not pay you what you feel you deserve.)
• You will receive what you give as far as consideration and respect are concerned. (This is not true from all your clients of course, but the vast majority of them will be attracted to you for the qualities you project.)
  
• Last but absolutely not least, don't take any business relationship personally. ( This seems to be the hardest point for most people, but one I think is essential. There is a reason why it's called business after all.)

I hope you find these points useful.

I have noticed as my business has matured that I tend to attract clients that I can work with very well. I am faced with less and less high-maintenance clients and I can also see potential problem clients much more quickly than I used to.

These abilities have likely come from experience and having a very clear model about how I want to work and how I absolutely don't.