Stop Wasting Mental Energy: How to Close Open Loops in Your Client Service Business
The Energetic Drain in Client Work
I want to address the issue of energetic drains in our businesses and offer some solutions to help us close those open loops and reverse the drain.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed or burnt out by the demands of running a professional services business? The struggle is real, and I totally get it. Whether you're an attorney, graphic designer, or copywriter, providing 1:1 client services can be immensely rewarding, yet draining at the same time. That's why in this blog post, I want to address the issue of energetic drains in our businesses and offer some solutions to help us close those open loops and reverse the drain.
In my work as a business coach, I often find that female entrepreneurs are facing burnout not just from working tirelessly, but also from the mental and emotional drain caused by unaddressed issues in their client service businesses. It's not uncommon to feel like we're doing great work, attracting quality clients, and making decent money, only to struggle with the capacity to effectively serve those clients while also keeping our own well-being intact.
The first step in addressing this issue is recognizing the common open loops that exist in professional services businesses. Energetic drains often occur in the very beginning, before they have even become an official client, during the consultation process. At the end of that call, when a prospective client says "I need to think about it" and then leaves us hanging can lead to excessive rumination and wasted mental energy. I've found that setting a rule for following up with potential clients and determining what happens next after a consultation can help close this loop and alleviate the mental burden.
Similarly, the onboarding process and dealing with clients who pay for services but then become unresponsive can create a significant drain. Establishing clear expectations and responsibilities at the beginning of the engagement can help prevent this and provide clients with reassurance, reducing anxiety and uncertainty for both parties.
Another potential open loop arises during the drafting and review process, particularly for creatives. Communication breakdowns can bring momentum to a screeching halt, leaving us unsure of how to proceed. Setting clear timelines and consequences can help keep the work on track and minimize the mental and emotional toll of uncertainty.
And what about at the end of the engagement? Wrapping up client engagements and addressing client satisfaction, feedback, and potential upsells are also areas where open loops can develop. Having a clear process for client closure and considering continuity offers can provide closure and prevent lingering concerns about unfinished business.
It's essential to acknowledge the impact of these open loops on our mental health and business success. Unaddressed issues in our businesses can lead to feelings of inadequacy, comparison with competitors, and fears of not doing enough. By addressing these open loops, we can not only reverse the energetic drain but also reclaim our mental and emotional well-being while optimizing our business effectiveness.
If you've resonated with these challenges, I want to encourage you to take one open loop and create a plan to close it. Start with one small step and build from there. And remember, if you need support in addressing these issues, I'm here to help you. I'm passionate about helping female entrepreneurs overcome burnout and create sustainable, successful businesses, and I'd love to assist you in this journey.
Together, let's close those open loops, reclaim our energy, and thrive as female entrepreneurs. And if you've found this blog helpful, I'd truly appreciate it if you shared it with someone who might benefit from these insights. Let's support each other in creating successful, fulfilling businesses while prioritizing our well-being.
Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram @coachdiannwingert or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast, you can do that here.
