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Have You Ever Had To Sacrifice Business To Gain Business?

by Allen Graves
8 replies
I am at a crossroads, people.

I am seriously considering changing the entire way I do business online. The reason is that, because there are only 24 hours in a day, I cannot grow my business any further than it is right now.

So I am thinking about making some huge changes in order to consolidate and be able to scale things up...but this may involve some long-time clients getting pissed off.

I really don't know what to do. I am not here for fame, notoriety or brownie points...I am here to put my kids through college and be financially comfortable, but at the same time, I'd like to keep everybody happy...thats just my nature.

Anyone else ever have a similar situation? What did you do? Were you able to keep everyone reasonably happy? Did your reputation suffer?

Thanks,
Allen
#business #gain #sacrifice
  • Profile picture of the author SuzanneH
    You need to do what's best for you. I was running two businesses at the same time; had to shut one down and knew I'd be upsetting my clients -- but I had to do what was best for me. They understood. Just like anything in life, you're responsible for your life; they're responsible for theirs -- they'll figure out how to move on. :-)

    Suzanne
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      I turn down a lot of offers because they wouldn't be as profitable as what I
      am doing now working very few hours.

      Fortunately, I'm not looking to go mega and hire a bunch of people to run
      a Frank Kern, John Reese or even Chris Knight size business. I'm happy with
      what I'm doing.

      Allen, ultimately, you have to do what is right for you.

      That's the best advice I can give you.
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  • Profile picture of the author valerieSONORA
    How would changes piss off long time clients? Is there a way to scale things up without pissing them off or is that the only option? Can't understand with the few details given.

    But like the others said, you have to do what's right for you. Your kids are more important.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    It's kind of hard to comment when I don't really know what you're talking about, but one time I wanted to make some changes that had the potential to upset current customers, so what I did was to just be honest with them. I told them I had to make changes to grow my business, I told them what the changes were, and I found ways to add value to them because of the changes. The end result, not one complaint. I even took a poll with the options of "go for it", "no go", or "not sure" and every single vote was to go for it.

    Hope that helps. I think most people are understanding if they're told the truth and they understand the reasons.
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    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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  • Profile picture of the author TheRichJerksNet
    Allen,
    Depends greatly on what you feel is right for you ... I decided little over a year ago that I will no longer take on clients for website development. The last client I had I sold a script that I custom coded for $30,000 and that is when I felt it was time to change my business model 100%.

    Doing website development is more like having a JOB.. stress levels are high, you have deadlines to meet, clients to deal with that are no always in a happy mood, and etc..

    As you know I only work for myself now and build my own sites and I got to say I am 100% happier now. I may not make $20,000 or $30,000 on the sale of a script anymore but it's not all about money. It is about being stress free and happy with what you are doing.

    Now I have no "boss" or deadlines, I can work my business as I see fit when I see fit. Sure I have had my old clients come back wanting me to do this and that but I have turned them down. I am still very close friends with many of my clients.

    Course this is me and as I said it depends upon what is best for you.. Wish you luck in whatever you decide..

    James
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