How to end a client relationship on good terms
A few years ago, I ended a client relationship over what I’ll call “values misalignment.” It had been steady work for many months. But the company’s public positions on several issues were in direct opposition to things I believed in. Even though my work was mostly behind the scenes, I didn’t want to be associated with the company in any way. It wasn’t worth the stress. Most solopreneur advice…
Several years ago, I severed a client relationship due to a clash of values. Despite working together for many months, the company’s public stances on various matters were at odds with my personal beliefs. Although my involvement was mostly behind the scenes, I decided not to be associated with the company for the sake of maintaining my professional principles.
This scenario is not uncommon among solopreneurs, who often receive conflicting advice on handling difficult clients. Some suggest that the client should be the one to leave, while others focus on managing boundaries to uphold a positive working relationship. However, there’s a third option: parting ways. Regardless of the reason behind the decision, it’s possible to do so professionally.
The key is to identify when a problem cannot be resolved. If the client were to address a fundamental issue, such as communication or scope creep, it might be worthwhile to discuss the matter further. Conversely, if the client’s pricing is below your current rates or if the project no longer aligns with your services, such issues are not easily resolved through changes within the working relationship.
Ultimately, the choice of whom to work with is yours. Any reason you have is a valid reason to end the client relationship. Ensure that your contract includes a clear termination clause. This clause should allow either party to end the agreement with 30 days’ written notice and specify that the client pays for any completed work that hasn’t been invoiced and any work in progress as of the termination date.
When notifying the client of the termination, keep the communication brief and avoid delving into the reasons behind the decision, unless the client is open to negotiation. Your notice should focus on the fact that your circumstances have changed and that you need to end the partnership. For instance, you might say, “My capacity is changing,” or “I’m narrowing the focus of the services I offer to clients.”
A concise email outlining the termination, including the date of your last day and the completion of any ongoing work, will suffice. To leave on good terms, ensure that all pending work is finished and that the client has access to all necessary files and login information. Provide a brief recap of any outstanding tasks and what needs to happen next on your final day.
This approach ensures that the client can transition smoothly to a new provider without starting from scratch. If the reason for termination is related to price or fit, consider offering to refer the client to another solopreneur. I have found this approach helpful, as it leaves the client without the burden of finding a replacement, which they would otherwise have to search for.
Ultimately, winding down a professional relationship on good terms helps maintain a reputation as a professional in the solopreneur community.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
