Old news…Sprint “fired” clients that called customer service 40-60 times a month. Whether or not you think Sprint has a good product or quality client service- this was a great move.
Two kinds of clients you should think about firing. One is the client that has unreasonable expectations, questions fees, pays late, refers other crappy business, etc. The second is the client who sucks every drop of energy right out of you. The client who leaves you exhausted, tired, even angry. If you avoid or dread interactions with a client- it’s time to “fire” them. (this is true of family members too- just harder to implement and perhaps a more appropriate conversation for your therapist…)
Make a list of any clients you don’t want to work with, think about what it would be like if you never heard from them again. Good,right? Now, while being fully in compliance with ethics- figure out how to make it happen. Set a goal- when will your practice be dud-free?
If you’re marketing consistently and building pipeline, then the new capacity will be filled by clients you enjoy. If you aren’t doing the marketing, and you’re worried about replacing revenue- use the new capacity to get your marketing plan and system in place.
The people you work with have a huge impact on how much you like your work. Don’t settle for a practice you don’t fully enjoy. As always- life is short, struggle is optional.
barbara@successfullysolo.com
