How To Cut Clients Without Burning Bridges
A respectful breakup
I know this isn’t the easiest choice.
New clients are hard to find, and ghosting is so much easier. It’s not a simple decision to make. But sometimes it is an unavoidable boss move.
Whether it’s your mental health, offer transitioning, or wrong client fit, it is okay to move on. You can be respectful and maintain the relationship.
I’ve had clients say they appreciate my upfront response, and they are glad I didn’t waste their time. I’ve had people approach me for different tasks because the first wasn’t a good fit.
It all depends on what you say when breaking up.
Don’t freak out. Let’s plan a three step approach for a professional breakup.
Create A Timeline
Sudden breakups are the worst.
It gives clients a reason to dislike you, and it makes you want to choose to ghost them. If you have a contract, review your termination section. This clause will suggest a firing reason and timeframe for ending the relationship.
I give a 30-day notice when ending my services. This period provides time for me to find alternative work and adjust my schedule. Plus, it helps the client locate a new service provider before the following month.
If a contract is too formal for you, state a list of mandatory needs. This list protects you from legal trouble and burning bridges. So if the client doesn’t comply, you can say they made it hard for you to do your job. Thus, you have a reason to go forward with termination.
Two-Way Communication
This conversation is so awkward, especially if the client relationship was terrible.
Whether you do it over a call, email, or text, include an explanation. Here’s one critical pointer people don’t tell you — make sure the client responds.
I communicate with clients via email or messages board, so I break up with them using the same channel. But if they don’t respond, you can never be sure they have read the message. PeoplePerHour is an exception since they provide a seen notification on messages.
Here’s what you can include in the business correspondence:
- the service terms you will complete,
- the service end date
- final payment details
- information about deliverables
Even if you call, send a follow-up email so both of you can have a physical record of the conversation. If you signed a contract, send a contract cancellation notice as well.
Don’t forget to congratulate yourself. The hard part is over, and you behaved like a professional. 😅
Gentle Offboarding
If you’re the spicy type, light the bridge and walk away leaving, the drama behind you. If not, maintain your professional approach until the very last day.
A gentle offboarding process means not leaving the client hanging. Hand over all promised deliverables, complete your service terms, and remove profile access.
If stated in your contract or you feel generous, provide a workflow for your tasks. Depending on the agreement, you can hand over templates or revoke access if you own the asset license.
This time also presents an opportunity to upsell. See why you shouldn’t burn bridges. You can offer to train your replacement or sell your new digital product or course. Then, proceed to do your dance when the money hit your account.
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