Spring is in the air (apparently!), and it’s the perfect time for a little business refresh. While most people are dusting off their homes, swapping out heavy jumpers for lighter layers, or begrudgingly tackling the garden, why don’t we – as business professionals – put this season to good use by spring cleaning… our clients.
Before you panic—this doesn’t mean you need to sack everyone and start over. After all, a financially healthy business thrives on loyal customers! But it does mean taking a step back to review how you’re working with your clients and whether any tweaks could help your business bloom. Let’s break it down.
1. Have you got enough time to get it all done?
Let’s start with the big question: are you managing your workload effectively? Take a good, hard look at your diary. Are you squeezing in too many tasks at unsociable hours? Or feeling like you’re always racing the clock to meet deadlines? If so, it’s time to reassess.
Think about how long each client’s work takes and how many hours you need to work each week. If you’re regularly overstretching (with work spilling into evenings, weekends, or days that you didn’t plan to work), it may be time to adjust expectations or reconsider your capacity.
2. Has there been a little too much scope creep?
Ah, scope creep—the sneaky little gremlin that can derail even the most astute business professional. It starts small: “Could you just do this one quick thing?” or “Would you mind helping with x just this once?” Before you know it, those “one-off” extras are eating into hours of your week.
Spring is the perfect opportunity to gently rein things back in. Review your original agreements with clients and compare them to what you’re actually doing. If the two don’t match, it’s time for a polite, professional chat about boundaries and your contractual obligations. You’re not a bottomless to-do list, and your time has value.
3. Are your packages properly priced?
When was the last time you reviewed your pricing? If it’s been a while, now’s the time. As your skills grow, so should the value you offer—and the rates you charge. Are your current packages still reflecting your expertise and the level of support you provide? Do they cover your daily costs (in terms of insurance, hardware, software, etc.)? All of the digital tools you use have likely upped their prices over the last year, so you must ensure that these increasing costs are still covered.
Don’t be afraid to adjust your pricing if needed. Yes, it can feel a bit nerve-wracking, but you’re running a business, not a charity. Your clients value your work, and fair pricing ensures you can continue delivering exceptional service.
4. Who’s your ideal client these days?
Businesses evolve, and so do the types of clients you want to work with. Are your current clients aligned with your vision for your business? Do they value your expertise, communicate clearly, and pay on time? (We all know that last one is non-negotiable!)
If not, consider how you can refine your marketing to attract your ideal customers. Maybe it’s time to tweak your messaging, refresh your website, or put yourself out there on different platforms. Remember, the more specific you are about who you want to work with, the easier it is for them to find you.
Time to Blossom!
Spring cleaning your clients doesn’t have to be daunting—it’s just about making sure you’re working smarter, not harder. By reviewing how you work, who you work with, and whether your business is meeting your needs as well as your clients’, you’ll set yourself up for a more sustainable, stress-free (and hopefully sunny) year ahead.
So, grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and get stuck in. Your business will thank you for it. And if you happen to find a few clients who do not spark joy, it might just be time to Marie Kondo them out of your life.