JMPR Communication

Changing tides: Image by: BartMaguire

Every new business has tides.  Sometimes the tide is “high.” New clients are filtering in or your client list is at maximum for the staff on-board.  Sometimes the tide is “low.” Contracts are ending and the search for new clients is stronger.  This is a basic concept that in some way is true for all new businesses.  But changes in tides can be a bit uncomfortable, right?

I have been working with JMPR Communication since its inception. I handle the business-side of our work.  I’m the guy that keeps our finances in check, is responsible for contracts and drums up new business.  Its work I really enjoy.  Since I focus on the business side, I give our changing tides some thought- and consider how we can do things better or change our model so we keep growing.

In the last month or so, we have been very fortunate to gain a number of new clients we love.  In one case, an “old client” came back to work with us on some new projects.  At the same time we have concluded a couple of contracts that expired after the work was completed.

So goes the fluidity of business, but why is it so hard to say “goodbye” to a client?

As the business-guy, I see this movement for what it is: changing tides.  And tides can be good for business.  Jennifer understands the tides, but sometimes reacts to them differently than me. For example, after the conclusion of a 3 month contract that lasted 9 months Jennifer put the final touches on the work she was doing.  Thanks and appreciation were exchanged, with the promise of future endeavors hopeful should the need arise.  As all was buttoned up, I realized: Jennifer was bummed. We talked, and I expressed that I didn’t really understand. We had just signed two new clients that week and we were taking the necessary steps to begin work with those clients.

How to embrace the changing of business tides:

1.  Adjust. Each client requires a special approach.  Ending and beginning new contracts requires adjustment.

2.  Embrace your feelings. It’s ok to feel bummed (for a minute) when you end a contract.  Not because of the loss of revenue, but because you will miss the work itself and the people you worked with. In fact, feeling bummed about a great contract ending is good.  It shows you care about your work.

3.  Focus on your accomplishments: When a 3 month contract ends after 9 months, don’t question your efforts.  Focus on what you learned, what you accomplished and how you can benefit other clients with what was learned.

4.  Say hello to goodbye: Saying goodbye is never easy.  But the flow of contracts in marketing/public relations is inevitable.  Embrace your goodbyes.  Even in business, it’s true that when one door shuts, another opens.  Say goodbye and then focus on how to say hello.

Having a new business is about being flexible, working hard, giving everyone your best and being open to changes.  I would argue that you learn most when changes are presented.

Jennifer and I ultimately agreed: Saying hello to goodbye in business is one step in having a successful business.

Do you agree?  What benefits has your business seen saying hello to goodbye?