Ep 22 | Your Client Left - Now What? A Hairstylist's Guide to Moving Forward

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Today we're discussing a topic that hits close to home for many of us - losing a client.

We've all been there, right? That moment when you get that text saying, "Hey, I've decided to see someone else for my hair." Ouch. It stings, doesn't it? But I'm here to tell you why it's not the end of the world and how we can flip this situation on its head.

The Emotional Rollercoaster: What Your Brain Does When a Client Leaves

Let's be real for a second. When that message pops up on your phone, what's the first thing that goes through your mind? If you're anything like me, it's probably a total spiral of:

• "What did I do wrong?"

• "Was it something I said last time?"

• "Did I mess up their hair?"

• "Are all my other clients going to leave too?"

Sound familiar? Trust me, I get it. I've been there more times than I'd like to admit. But here's the thing - this spiral isn't helping anyone, especially you.

Quick Reality Check:

• It's normal to feel upset

• Your feelings are valid

• BUT dwelling on them won't change the situation

The Power of Perspective: Shifting from Personal to Professional

Here's where we need to put on our business hats. Instead of seeing this as a personal rejection, let's look at the facts:

1. You've lost a client

2. That client brought in a certain amount of revenue

3. Now you have an opening in your schedule

That's it. Those are the cold, hard facts. No emotions, no drama, just business. So, what's next?

From Loss to Opportunity: Reframing Your Mindset

Here's how we're going to flip the script:

1. Give yourself a minute (or two) to feel those feelings. It's okay to be sad or anxious.

2. Take a deep breath and look at the numbers.

3. Ask yourself: "How can I replace this income?"

For example, let's say you lost a client who came in every six weeks for a $300 service. Instead of panicking, think:

"Okay, I need to add one new client who gets a similar service to replace this income."

Suddenly, it doesn't seem so overwhelming, does it?

Action Steps: Moving Forward with Confidence

1. Assess the Financial Impact: Calculate exactly how much income you need to replace.

2. Create a Game Plan: Decide how you'll attract a new client to fill that spot.

3. Focus on Growth: Use this as motivation to improve your skills or try new marketing strategies.

4. Learn from the Experience: If you feel the need, reach out to the client for constructive feedback.

Remember: Don't apologize for asking for feedback. You're a professional seeking to improve your service.

The Bigger Picture: Why Clients Really Leave (And Why It's Often Not About You)

Here's a truth: Most of the time, when clients leave, it's not personal. Let that sink in for a moment.

Common reasons clients move on:

• They've moved to a new area

• Their financial situation has changed

• They want to try something new

• It's more convenient to go somewhere closer to home

And sometimes they don't tell you the real reason because they don't want to hurt your feelings. Ironic, right?

Your Mindset Makeover: From Anxiety to Empowerment

So, the next time you lose a client, I want you to try something different:

1. Acknowledge your feelings (for a limited time)

2. Look at the facts

3. Make a plan to move forward

4. Remember: This is just business, not a reflection of your worth

Wrapping It Up: You've Got This!

Listen, losing a client isn't fun. But it's a normal part of running a business - yes, even for the best stylists out there. The key is how you handle it. Use it as fuel to grow, to improve, and to build an even stronger business.

Remember, for every client that leaves, there's another one out there waiting to discover how amazing you are. So hold your head high and get ready to wow your next client!