You should never work with a client that you do not enjoy working with and also you need to have the courage to say no to someone who may want to work with you but you do not feel the same.
Being the boss has so many advantages but there always comes a time where you have to do something you don’t particularly enjoy - firing a client.
There are 3 main reasons I can think of for firing a client and I want to walk you through exactly how to handle each situation.
They aren’t paying you.
This is a huge issue and when your client stops paying their invoice(s) it’s time to let them go. Even if you really enjoyed working with them, you also need to realize how valuable your time is and find clients that do pay and appreciate you.
Here’s the email template I developed for when someone doesn’t pay their invoice:
Subject line – Termination of Services
Hi CLIENT NAME,
I just wanted to let you know that as of INSERT DATE, I will no longer be able to offer you virtual assistant services. Due to the recent invoice delay and lack of communication, I have decided it is better to go in a different direction and pursue work with my other clients. I will share access to your google drive folder so you can have all of the work we have completed.
If you are interested in still obtaining a virtual assistant, I could offer some individuals that may be a good fit. Thank you for the opportunity and good luck in your future endeavors.
Best Regards,
YOUR NAME
You changed your services.
This is totally normal in the online business world! As your business grows you will have shifts in your business services as well. You might start to niche down, offering different services, switch to course creation and so on.
Typically, clients will be supportive of the change because it means you’re growing. Here’s the email template to use if you’re letting go of a client because of service changes:
Subject line – Change in Services
Hi CLIENT NAME,
As we grow internally, we are beginning to shift our focus to different ventures and this means we will no longer be assisting clients with X, which I know is a large chunk of your needs. In this case, it would be best to end services.
You currently have X hours left that will expire on INSERT CONTRACT END DATE. We will send you a list of all your outstanding items so you can prioritize what you want to spend the rest of your time on.
Once you let us know priorities for tasks, we will make sure we offboard you with everything you need for the future.
You were a joy to work with and we are happy to help with the transition in any way that we can. That can include assisting you in finding another virtual assistant to transition to.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Best Regards,
YOUR NAME
You don’t like working with them anymore.
There are some clients who we *think* we will like working with but it turns into a nightmare. You will probably run into at least one client who you probably thought to yourself “maybe I shouldn’t take them on” but you do because you need the money or give them the benefit of the doubt.
If this has happened to you, don’t beat yourself up for it. You don’t have to continue working with them.
This is the kind of client where you cringe when you see they are calling (yeah, I’ve been there, yikes).
You should never work with a client you do not enjoy working with and also you need to have the courage to say no to someone who may want to work with you but you do not feel the same.
It’s scary at first but you’ll get through it and it will become easier.
Here’s the email template to end services with a client you just don’t enjoy working with:
Subject line – Termination of Services
Hi CLIENT NAME,
I just wanted to let you know that as of INSERT DATE, I will no longer be able to offer you Virtual Assistant services. As we have worked together, I have found that we have differences in X, Y, Z.
Because of this, I think it is in our best interest to go our separate ways. I am happy to refer another virtual assistant who I feel would be a better fit for you and your business.
Thank you for the opportunity and good luck in your future endeavors.
Best Regards,
YOUR NAME
It might be scary to end your services with a client but know that if you’re thinking about it, it’s probably for the best. And you will find another client who will pay you on time, match your services AND be your ideal dream client. All of this is possible, you just have to let go of the ones who no longer are a match for you in order to create that space for your dream clients.
Rooting for you,
Meridith
