The Right Way to Break off a Client/Agency Relationship

Breaking off a relationship of any kind is never easy. 

But much like anything else in life, there is a right way and wrong way to go about it. In a business sense, it’s incredibly important to handle breaking off a client/agency relationship the right way. Even if things are ablaze and you can’t wait to end it, you have to show patience, courtesy and respect. 

Another item worth mentioning is that breaking off a client/agency relationship isn’t always due to some huge conflict. It could be that your client has gotten to a place where they’re in a good place and their team is ready to take the reigns. In that case, it makes sense for both parties to try going their separate ways. 

And then of course, there could be that firey situation. Maybe you haven’t been paid for several months or a client belittled a team member. 

Whatever the case, we’re going to go over the respectful protocol to handling a client/agency breakup. 

Note: If you’re just tuning in, I’d highly recommend back-tracking through Season 3 of the Happy Client Show. There are a lot of situations we outline that can help prevent the need for a break up. 

Overview of This Episode

In this episode we discuss:

• How to decide whether it’s time to break off the relationship
• The right window of notice to give your clients
• The proper communication process to get everyone on the same page
• The step-by-step process to initiate and follow through with the break up

Big Concepts

• It’s your job as an agency to try to leave as a positive as an impression as possible. Handle things well and put your best foot forward, regardless of the situation. 
• It’s vital to make a clean break. Once it’s over, a proposal should be required for new work. Commit to the clean break. 

Connect with Ben and Andrew

• Twitter – @BenButlerPR
• Twitter – @AndrewJDymski