Send us a text

In this episode, we dive into a topic that doesn’t get enough airtime: breaking up with clients. Yes, client breakups are a thing—and spoiler alert—they can be just as awkward as a middle school breakup. The key is handling it with the right mix of grace, strategy, and maybe a dash of humor (but only if your client can handle it).

Sometimes, it’s not you or them—it’s life. Business mergers, acquisitions, or sudden left turns in strategy can mean a breakup is inevitable. When that happens, honesty and open communication are your best friends. Think of it as “it’s not you, it’s our strategic pivot” instead of ghosting them. (Pro tip: Ghosting is for bad dates, not business relationships.)

And then there are the toxic client relationships—drama-filled, draining, and completely unproductive. These are the ones where you know it’s over, but you keep hoping things will magically change (spoiler: they won’t). It’s okay to admit when it’s time to cut ties. Sometimes breaking up frees you up to find that dream client who pays on time and actually reads your emails.

The episode also serves up some solid advice on how to break up. Step one: don’t send a breakup email with the subject line “Bye, Felicia.” A thoughtful face-to-face or phone conversation goes a long way. It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid—uncomfortable but necessary. And hey, you might even walk away with mutual respect intact.

Another important nugget: clear expectations. Think of it as your pre-nup for client relationships. When everyone knows what’s expected, there’s less drama. But if a client keeps pushing boundaries and missing the mark, it might be time for a “we need to talk” moment. Just maybe skip the dramatic “we’re done here” speech unless you’re channeling your inner soap opera star.

At the end of the day, this episode reminds us that client breakups don’t have to be messy. With honesty, good communication, and a sprinkle of professionalism, you can walk away with your reputation—and your sanity—intact. Plus, you’ll have a great story for the next networking event: “So, this one time, I had to break up with a client…”

Scott Schlofman
Mike Williams - Cell 801-635-7773

#sales #podcast #customerfirst #relationships #success #pipeline #funnel #sales success #selling #salescoach