9:00 AM
Elise Connors
There is a point where all things must come to an end. Maybe you've lost your passion and drive for the work you do and want to switch fields. Maybe you realized that you don't want to freelance anymore. Maybe you're fed up with your client. However you've come to this end point - the biggest thing is - you made the decision to end your working relationships with your current client(s). There's no need to beat yourself up about it. After all, you became a freelancer so that you do get to pick your clients and the projects your work on. If your mind changes, your business can change right along with it.
I've been in both shoes - as the freelancer ending the relationship and as the client who is losing a freelancer. On either side of the equation, this can be a stressful time for both parties - but more specifically for the client. You must remember that your client was counting on you for something. You may be the strings that holds their business together. We're talking about their livelihood - which is no joke.
Knowing that this situation can be particularly difficult to handle - how can you get through it? Keep these three pointers in mind:
- Don't disappear. Of all the things you can do, don't just disappear into thin air. Give your client the respect they deserve and try to get a reasonable notice (2 weeks or so) so that they can find someone to replace you.
- Don't forget the final deliverables. Try to write up/update any procedures so that your client can easily pass along your work to the next person.
- Make recommendations. If you know someone who may be a good fit to step into your role, please let your client know. They will appreciate not needing to invest extra time searching for someone they feel comfortable with.
The most important thing to remember is that you want to make sure that you build a strong list of contacts that can vouch for your work or provide testimonials/references in the future. The quality of your network is even more important as a freelancer than as an employee. Clients will remember how you leave - so make it professional.
What are your tips for ending client relationships?
Posted in: ending client relationships
2 comments:
So true! I would hate if someone would just disappear on me. Give some explanation, I will understand, don't just vanish. I also would say - don't burn any bridges. You never know what future holds for you.
@Aloysa -- That's what I felt. I have most recently been in the shoes of the client. I will admit, though, it may have been karma because I have ditched a client before. *uh oh* I think we all need to learn from these experiences, and that's one of the reasons my blog exists to share the ups and downs of freelancing from a practical perspective.
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