3 Things To Do After Losing a High-Paying Client

Breathe.

Again…

You just lost a client, and it’s okay.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, yes? What about all your plans for that extra cash — let’s not even go there. I can see your anxiety creeping up, and that’s not nice.

But worry not.

Instead, breathe again, and check out these three steps to regain that lost footing and maybe feel better than you were before losing the client.

1. The Obvious: Reflect and Learn

Take a moment to analyze the situation.

Were there any warning signs or miscommunications that led to the client's departure? Did the project scope change, or did your performance not meet expectations, sometimes repeatedly?

Look for patterns, identify improvement areas, and chalk (not literally) out a plan to avoid similar situations.

Be honest with yourself and treat this as an opportunity for growth — maybe even a cup of hot chocolate or fresh lemonade, depending on the climate.

Remember, you can't change the past, but you can learn from it and make better decisions.

2. Ramp Up Your Networking

Now's the time to reconnect with old clients, attend networking events (if your city has them) and invest in building relationships.

Let people in your network know you are available, and don't hesitate to ask for referrals or introductions. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook groups — whatever works for you.

Join industry-specific forums, social media groups, or local meetups to widen your circle. You never know what few conversations can lead to, and I am talking about real conversations, not cold emails, though I do not deny their effectiveness — more about that later.

The more connections you make, the more likely you will come across new opportunities and maybe make friends too.

3. Diversify Your Client Base

Losing a high-paying client is a wake-up call to evaluate your client portfolio.

It's time to rethink your strategy. Are you relying too heavily on one or two major clients? Have you thought about it in the past and maybe didn’t do much about it, perhaps left it for a time like this?

You act now.

Aim for a diverse mix, and ensure no single client contributes more than a certain percentage of your total income. This helps distribute the risk and maintain a steady income stream, even if you lose a client.

It’s very much like keeping a financial portfolio.

Seek long-term projects and high-paying short-term gigs to maintain a healthy balance. Be selective and prioritize opportunities that align with your goals and values.

Resilience is the key to success; losing a client is never easy, but the above steps have helped me bounce back.

Try it for a weekend and see where it takes you.

By now, I hope you must be getting used to Byline Blueprint. Share this with others who might benefit.

Treat yourself to ice cream and pet floofs on the way!