Growing and bringing on new clients is often a focus for accounting firms. However, there will also be times when you have to let clients go. Firing a client is never an easy task, and it’s one task that is often filled with emotions and guilt.

In our recent article, we discuss how to fire a client professionally. We dive into three main areas of discussion, including the following:

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Identifying Problem Clients

First, you need to identify your problem clients. There are often signs that a client may require too much work and is a bad fit, such as:

• Cancelling meetings at the very last minute or simply not showing up
• Failing to provide timely communication or documents
• Calling, emailing or texting beyond operating hours and expecting an immediate response
• Making demands that go well beyond what’s acceptable
  

Once identified, it’s time to actually let go of the client.

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Letting Go of the Client

This is the hard part. Letting go of the client requires you to remain strong and not fall for a guilt trip that keeps the client on the books for longer. Instead, you’ll want to do a few things:

• Alert the client that you’ll no longer be able to work with them after a specific date, but be sure to give them ample notice
• Refer the client to someone else when you can
• Remain as respectful as you can throughout the entire process
  

Next, it’s time to offboard the client.

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Offboarding Recommendations

Offboarding is your way of getting everything in writing, so be sure to have:

• A written and signed notice with an end-of-service date
• Ways for the client to download their files
• Technology transition guidelines
• Etc.
  

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Sometimes, clients are not “forever clients.” When you identify a client that no longer fits the mold for your ideal client, it may be time to let them go.

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To learn more about how Client Hub can help you with streamlining your workflow or to schedule a demo, contact us here.