Offboarding

One of my agency clients inquired recently about best practices for setting up a proper client offboarding system.

That’s a smart approach — and one that many consulting and professional services businesses overlook.

In fact, I’m hard-pressed to think of many consultants I have worked with over the years as a client that have used any sort of a structured approach to the end of the relationship.

Many agencies give a lot of consideration to how to onboard clients effectively, but more should look at how to wrap up projects or retainer relationships effectively.

Even if an engagement ends poorly, it’s a good idea to put your best foot forward because you never know what the future holds — you may find a good reason to work with that client again or one of the client contacts may go somewhere else that you want to pursue.

It goes without saying that you should never burn bridges, but why not go a step further and tie up every client relationship with a bow at the end?