Sometimes, clients leave. Usually this is not a bitter divorce as much as an amicable parting of ways, often inevitable in the best of working relationships. The reasons are as varied as the clients we work with. Building a professional relationship includes planning for the end so that moving on leaves everyone feeling good about all phases of a project.
At Dinkum, we’ve said goodbye to a few clients over the years, yet remain connected with them in one way or another. You never know who you will run into at the next networking event, so you need to stay professional and engaged right up until the end of each contract. A referral from a previous client can be just as valuable as a referral from a current client.
The process of wrapping up a project can and should be carried out in the same positive tone as working with the client. Some tips for parting on a positive note:
1. Ask if they need anything to smooth the transition to the next firm that will work on their site. Make it easy for them to work with you during this process.
2. Offer back reports to show the new firm.
3. Provide log-in credentials for everything you set up for them and instructions for access if needed.
4. Promptly and efficiently finish up any promised work that is not complete.
5. Provide a wrap up report to show what was accomplished during the term of the contract.
6. Wish them success for the future and move on.
We’ve had clients who left, then returned. Ending on a professional note allows for the possibility of picking up where you left off down the track. But even knowing that a client will never be back, it feels good to do the right thing by each client during the entire life-cycle of the project, so running into them at that next business function can be a pleasant meeting of old friends.
Photo Credit: www.sxc.hu/photo/895441
