Not kicking while ON the curb. Ouch!
.-= Pete Savage´s last blog ..What My Old Marketing Professor Can Teach You About Freelancing =-.

Right now, I’m experiencing a whole new world of clients I wouldn’t have discovered had I not been willing to let go of the ones I’ve outgrown. While I would never dream of “kicking them on the curb” (LOL!), I think it’s healthy for everybody concerned to “move on” to those who are a better fit.

Many freelancers find “firing a client” to be a nerve-wracking experience when they go through it the first time… but after you’ve shaken loose from a client that you have outgrown, you’re rewarded with an amazing sensation of freedom – even rebirth. Kicking just one hanger-on client to the curb usually provides the breath of fresh air needed to inject new energy into your freelance biz, and can kick the refinement of your client base into action.

Being willing to do this regularly is the mark of a professional.

Great post, great site!
- Pete

This is an important topic–thanks for posting on it.

Years ago, I remember losing a few clients when I raised prices.

But today, because I price “per project” and raise rates incrementally, I don’t think many clients are aware of the increase.

Freelancers outgrow clients for other reasons, however: In the beginning, when you’re hungrier, or you really want to break into a niche or medium, you sometimes work with less-than-ideal clients.

As you become proficient, you feel less willing to put up with the negative characteristics to which you “turned the other cheek” earlier.

Letting difficult clients go is a sign of professional maturity–or “outgrowing the client”–I believe.