In an instance of blogging imitating life, I just read the Irreverent Freelancer’s post about getting to “no.”

Interestingly, I invested a significant chunk of my morning writing a “Dear John” e-mail to a prospective client.

Dear Client

As freelancers, we’re most interested in moving our prospects to “yes.” Getting work is our focus. But when should we focus on getting rid of it?

When Do You Pull the Plug?

I’ve only resigned a handful of clients over the years, though the clients that stick out are the ones I should have resigned, but didn’t.

In the article that spawned Kathy’s post, writer Debbie Bermont lists seven reasons why a freelancer should turn down a prospect.

They’re all good reasons, but unfortunately, you’re never quite sure when the line has been crossed.

It’s a judgment call, and when there are bills to pay and revenue goals to meet, judgment often goes out the window.

I will say this; it’s a bad sign when you need to set professional boundaries with a prospect. When those boundaries are continually crossed, your choice is clear.

And beware the prospect who — without agreeing to send a dime your way — aggressively pursues all sorts of freebies. They might simply be testing you, but over time, a client who always pushes hard for a little more — without paying for it — grows tiresome.

Fortunately, work is plentiful right now, making it easier to look forward rather than back.

Consider the Cost

Dumping a client is a hard decision to make. You have to consider lost revenues, but don’t ignore the opportunity costs. Instead of struggling with a troubling, pain-in-the-ass client, you could pursue your dream prospect (a good idea in any case).

Anyone regret dumping (or not dumping) a client?

[tags]copywriting, freelancing, writing, writer[/tags]

Posted in Business of Freelancing and tagged .