I thought I would post this here as I wanted to share.

Last week one of my first and long standing clients announced that he was planning to 'hire' a full time support staff when he moves office in the new year. He started with us back in 2000 when he was relatively new in business himself and he has been a full-time client from the beginning. I knew when he moved premises this might be a consideration so it wasn't too much of a shock. The upshot is that we will lose him as a full-time client as he wants to hire someone who can do a multitude of in-house tasks for him including phone answering etc. (which my company does not offer). However, we have agreed that we will continue to do other projects for him throughout the year - albeit not as full-time as his work is now.

Anyway, it was on my mind and I was sad that we were 'losing him' so to speak but then two new clients signed up with us yesterday. So as one door closes, another two open! One is a contact from a networking event and the other is a client referral. This reminds me yet again a) how important networking is and the importance of building good client relationships. Even if sometimes we don't feel like doing it - or feel we're good at it - etc., it goes to show that it can be worth all the effort.

Just a little inspirational post to give anyone else out there 'a lift' if they are feeling a bit down about drumming up business. Onwards and upwards!

Very nice! I too have had situations similar to this, where parting ways with a client for one reason or another led to new opportunities and experiences. It doesn't always feel great in the beginning (even if you're exiting the working relationship by choice) but keeping that focus and certainty that new things will come your way makes all the difference!

Thanks for posting this inspiring story

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Thank you for posting it. We all need inspiration from time to time.

Hooray! I guess change is always good. I do love hearing stories about how hard work pays off. Thanks so much.
Mary
Virtual Writing & Communications Solutions

Thanks for sharing. Hard work always pay off in one form or another.

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~Davida C. Blake~~
Beyond Walls Virtual Assistance
www.beyondwallsva.com

I think that is a great way to look at things. Opportunity is always there, we need to just grab it! Good luck with the new clients.

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

Thanks for your post.

Since yesterday, I was feeling low after losing one client who was giving me regular opportuinities to work on different assignments.

Your post has given me the my lost enthusiasm back.

Thanks once again.

Kajal

That is great! Guess that old saying is true.

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Carlana Charles - Ciboney Virtual Solutions
Web: http://ciboneyvirtual.com Blog:http://ciboneyvirtual.com/blog

Similar thing happened to me recently.

I had to make the agonizing decision to 'fire' my first client for various reasons. I put it off for a long time and then just went for it. (He was worth about 17 - 20 hours a week and was my reason for going into business in the first place).

I fired him and the next day I replaced him with three new clients who paid more per hour and required less hours. Who's to say that I would have been ready for these new client's if I didn't fire him first?

Kylie Short

I totally agree that when one door closes another opens. The times I have chosen to let clients go another one is always right around the corner. Like Kylie said who knows if I would have been ready for the new one if I had kept the old (usually energy draining) one.

My business has grown by leaps and bounds when I have let clients go. Don't be afraid to take some risks and be open to new opportunities.

Sally Kuhlman