These days timely and respectful responses to business communications have reached an all-time low. Emails and texts are ignored, phone calls go to voicemail, meetings get no-shows, and replies given are vague and misleading.  

I heard from one business owner who made a special trip to interview a potential new employee. He waited an hour, received word that the interviewee was stuck in traffic. Then waited another hour, and this time he was informed that the prospect was no longer interested in the position. No apology. The business owner was frustrated and annoyed!  

And when it comes to ending a service relationship, people are saying, “I’m pressing pause on this for [the summer, the holidays, insert some other excuse here].” 

We may feel uncomfortable “breaking up”, but it is more respectful and easier all around, just to have a simple conversation, ending the business service. 

Breaking Up is NOT Hard To Do 

Let’s assume that the experience wasn’t terrible – it just came to a natural conclusion. Maybe you were working with a freelancer and the work was great but just no longer needed. Or you were helped by a coach and you’re in a great place now, so the coaching can end.  

At any point in time, unless you’re bound by a contract, it’s perfectly natural to end a professional engagement. But do end it – being firm and kind – rather than keeping the service provider in permanent limbo. 

If you’re a service provider, and it hasn’t happened to you yet, it will at some point. Your customer will say they need to “put things on hold for now ”. 

What To Do When You’re Locked In Limbo 

What to do when they ask for a break or a pause or are simply not communicating?  

Should you hold their place in your calendar? 

Should you check on them and see if things have changed and are ready to resume? 

You can do those things if your past history with them and circumstances dictate that they will indeed get back to working with you soon.  

It’s best to set a plan in place to define where you are. One idea: 

“I understand your circumstances have changed. Can we schedule a 15 minute check-in phone call on [pick a date that’s 3 to 6 weeks out] and see where you are and if there’s anything I can do to help?” 

If you get no response to this, or they indicate they would rather just reach out to you whenever they’re ready, then it’s safe to assume they’re finished with the service. They don’t want to hurt your feelings, but we know it’s business and it deserves a professional outcome. 

If you believe this is the case, have something ready. They may feel they “are on a break”, but we all need closure! We can’t hang on pause forever, so if they’re unwilling to make that decision, it’s up to you. A brief, positive and polite thank you note to close out the relationship is in order. Let them know you would be open to working with them again in the future if their circumstances change. Of course, they would be paying your newest prices – they can’t expect you would freeze your current rates for them! 

Here’s How I Did It 

I recently closed out a relationship with a lovely health coach I had obtained through my health insurance. I felt that after months of checking in weekly, and discussing concerns and strategies with her, I am ready to close it out. So I sent her a note because we had been primarily communicating on an app: 

“Hi [coach name]. I want to let you know I’m doing really well lately. A few things have come together to help my journey and I’m very happy with where I am. [I listed some details here] I want to THANK YOU for all the wonderful tips and conversations. You’ve been a great help. I’m going to stop the coaching sessions for this month and won’t be scheduling more. You’ve done so much to help me, and I’m truly grateful!” 

Simple goal – let her know she was great, helpful, I’m in a good place, and we’re at the end of the road. I’m hoping the close-out message actually made her smile.  

Whether the lack of communication is on their part or if you feel uncomfortable ending things, remember that it is the KIND and respectful thing to do to let people know what your intentions and preferences really are. You can say goodbye gracefully and politely! 

How Can I Help You? 

I work with small business owners to identify that one part of your business that isn’t doing that well and clarify what needs to happen to make your business profitable and help you feel that you’re living your best entrepreneurial life. Schedule a free session to see for yourself. https://calendly.com/susana-f/phone-consult