Do you have a client who’s difficult to work with?
Maybe they’re constantly violating your boundaries. Or have ridiculous expectations. Or don’t pay on time—ever.
Or maybe you just hate the work. It’s become dull and boring, and you dread it.
Too often, when we’re in these types of situations, we don’t do anything because we’re afraid. We’re afraid of losing the revenue. We worry that we won’t find a new and better client to replace them.
Sometimes, we just feel obligated to suck it up. Isn’t that what grownups are supposed to do?
If you’re currently stuck in this kind of situation, you need to get out of it. And you can start laying the groundwork TODAY to either let go of that client or let them know you’re no longer doing that type of work.
Does that take guts? Absolutely. But amazing things can happen when you take these bold moves—even if that bold move is just putting a plan in place.
My Big Decision
Not too long ago, I made the decision to eliminate three of my five coaching programs.
Frankly, I was feeling uninspired, and these programs were starting to drain me. I knew I wasn’t feeling great at work. So I started to pay attention to what I was dreading and where I was procrastinating.
I came to realize that the problem lay with these programs. I needed to make a change. But shuttering those programs would mean cutting out nearly $274,000 in annual revenue!
This wasn’t something I could do overnight. So I created a smart, gradual exit plan and started to act on it. Over the next 18 months, I began to phase out these programs. I replaced part of the revenue by growing some of my other services. I also cut operating costs in my business. And as for the remaining lost revenue, I decided to just let it go for now.
The Hardest Part is Making the Decision
Interestingly, the hardest part of this process was making the decision to make the change. Once I decided, everything started to fall in place. I immediately started to feel better—even though nothing had really changed yet!
I felt relieved. I felt happier. Even though it would take months to remove myself entirely from these programs, the effects of the decision were immediate.
At the same time, some great new opportunities started to surface just as I was putting my exit plans in place. Opportunities that will bring work that I find inspiring and energizing.
You Don’t Have to Suffer
If you’re in a bad situation, you don’t have to just suck it up. That might be what some adults do. But it doesn’t have to be what you do!
Pay attention to where you’re procrastinating. See if it’s a trend. Unpack it.
If you need to make a change, start by putting a plan in place. When you do, you’ll start to feel better. And that will give you the energy and inspiration you need to push forward with your plans.
And don’t be surprised if new opportunities come your way.
By the way… whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your freelance business:
1. Grab a free copy of my book.
It’s called Earn More in Less Time: The Proven Mindset, Strategies and Actions to Prosper as a Freelance Writer. The title says it all. 😉 — Click Here
2. Join my implementation program and be a case study.
I’m putting together a new implementation group this month. If you’re earning $5k+/month (or the part-time equivalent) from your freelance business … and you’d like to grow your income quickly with better clients … just email me at ed@b2blauncher.com and put “Case Study” in the subject line.
3. Work with me privately.
If you’re a 6-figure writer who’s trying to earn more in less time, with less stress, I might be able to help you get there faster than you think. Just email me at ed@b2blauncher.com and put “Breakthrough” in the subject line, and I’ll get back to you with more details.
