Tag Archive for: business mindset

Posts

When Goodbye Means Growth: The Unexpected Upside of Letting Go

Let’s be honest: losing a client can sting.

It doesn’t matter whether the decision is mutual, theirs, or yours—when a client walks away,

it can feel like a punch to the gut. Especially if they’ve been with you a long time, especially if you did your best work, and especially if your team went above and beyond to deliver exceptional service.

That’s exactly what happened to us recently at Executive Errands®.

We’ve provided rental support services for years, handling the late-night calls, weekend issues, guest complaints, and the endless, never-quite-right scheduling of cleaners and vendors. At one point, it was a major part of our business. But about two years ago, we made a strategic decision:we stopped offering rental support services to new clients.

Why? Because the numbers didn’t pencil out.

It turns out that 24-hour coverage (especially over weekends) is expensive, exhausting, and a massive distraction from the parts of our business that are actually profitable, sustainable, and aligned with our values. Rental support took up a disproportionate amount of time and attention compared to the revenue it brought in. So, we cut it loose. Well—mostly.

We kept just two long-standing rental clients who also used a wide range of our other Lifestyle Management services. They were wonderful clients, and we stayed with them because they were part of the fabric of our company. But then something happened.

The First Break

One of the two rental clients became increasingly unresponsive. Requests would go unanswered, confirmations weren’t coming in, and the collaboration we relied on to serve her guests simply wasn’t there anymore.

We wrestled with the decision, but in the end, we knew what we had to do: we fired her.

It was professional and polite, but clear. We were no longer a fit. 

It was hard—but not as hard as we thought it would be. In fact, it felt like a weight had lifted. That was the first sign that we were heading in the right direction.

 

The Final Goodbye

A week ago, the last remaining rental client—our longest-standing one—let us know she was making a change. She had decided to move to a new management arrangement, and just like that, we were out of the rental business for good.

Honestly, it hit hard. She had been with us for many years. We had history. She trusted us with her home, her guests, her reputation. Losing that kind of relationship leaves a mark.

 But once the shock wore off, we had a realization:

We were never really built for rental support.

This wasn’t a loss. It was a release. It was the universe giving us a final nudge to fully align with who we are and how we serve.

 The End of an Era… and the Start of a Better One

The departure of our last rental client marked the official end of an era at Executive Errands®—and the beginning of a much clearer, more focused business model. 

No more weekend panic calls. No more scrambling to clean a house between back-to-back bookings. No more absorbing the stress of guest reviews or unrealistic expectations.

We’re not Airbnb managers. We’re not hotel front desk staff. And we certainly aren’t a 24-hour concierge service for vacationers.

We are a Lifestyle Management company—and that means we support homeowners, not short-term renters. Our clients are people who want quality, consistency, and peace of mind. They want their homes cared for, their projects managed, and their lives simplified.

 

Letting go of the last vestige of rental support allows us to do exactly that, with no distractions and no compromises.

So, Why Is This a Good Thing?

 When you’re in the thick of it, losing a client can feel like a red flag—like something went wrong.

But here’s what we’ve learned:

1. It Creates Space

When a misaligned client leaves, you gain back time, energy, and resources you can pour into the clients and services that do align with your vision. The right clients will always come when you have space to serve them.

2. It Forces Clarity

Every goodbye is a moment to ask: What kind of business am I really building? This final rental departure helped us see, once and for all, that our true purpose lies elsewhere.

3. It Boosts Morale

When your team no longer has to bend over backwards for services that drain them, morale improves. We’ve already seen renewed energy and enthusiasm from our staff now that they’re focusing on what they do best.

4. It Reinforces Boundaries

Saying goodbye—especially when it’s your decision—is a powerful act of self-respect in business. It says: We know who we are, and we’re not going to stretch ourselves to be something we’re not.

Take This Lesson for Your Own Business

If you’re holding onto a client, service, or offering that no longer fits, ask yourself:

  • Is this draining more resources than it’s worth?
  • Am I only keeping this out of habit or fear?
  • Does this align with the business I’m trying to build?

If the answers are yes, yes and no, maybe it’s time to say goodbye too.

You don’t have to serve everyone. You don’t have to be everything to everyone. And sometimes, letting go of a client is the best thing you can do—for you, your team, and your future.

At Concierge Business Solutions®, We Help You Build a Business That Fits YOU

 

Want help designing a business that aligns with your strengths, values, and goals? That’s exactly what we do.

Check out our educational program, Freedom by Design: How to Build a Business That Runs Itself, available now at: 👉 Learn Concierge Business Solutions

Or tune in to our podcast, Twisted, Bent and Exhausted – The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Sanity and Success, where we talk honestly (and often hilariously) about the real-life wins and losses of running a small business.🎧 Listen on Spotify or YouTube – just search for Twisted, Bent and Exhausted.

Final Word

Losing a client doesn’t always mean failure. Sometimes, it’s the universe whispering, “It’s time to grow.”

Here’s to letting go—and growing forward.

Introducing the Next Evolution of Concierge Business Solutions®

Running a business is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—on a tightrope—over a pit of hungry alligators. (Too dramatic? Maybe. But admit it, some days, it feels exactly like that.)

At Concierge Business Solutions®, we understand the madness, and we’re here to make your life easier, your business smoother, and your sanity somewhat intact. We’ve been busy cooking up BIG changes that will help you work smarter, not harder. So, grab a coffee (or something stronger), and let’s dive in!

1. Bent, Twisted, and Exhausted — The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Sanity & Success (Podcast)

If you’ve ever felt like entrepreneurship is one big, exhausting, absurdly difficult (yet oddly thrilling) adventure, you are not alone.

What We Are Doing To Overcome This

Enter: Bent, Twisted, and Exhausted—our brand-new podcast created by me (Leslie Spoor) and my bestie, Jeff Harrison of Swingpoint Media (aka the King of digital content creation and AI trailblazer)! We’re tackling the real, unfiltered struggles of business ownership with humor, honesty, and a few (okay, maybe a lot) of strong opinions.

Expect:

  1.  Hilarious and relatable business horror stories
  2.  Real talk on what it actually takes to succeed
  3.  Tips you won’t hear in corporate boardrooms (because they’re too busy pretending everything is perfect)

Listen Now on Spotify & YouTube! – New episodes weekly! Subscribe Today!

Episode Zero – Who Are We and Why Are We Doing This Podcast

https://youtu.be/zhg45-_oqCc

Episode One – Cash Flow Management

https://youtu.be/w0U9UXc29NQ

Episode Two – Attracting & Retaining Customers

https://youtu.be/42cjeVGuNpA

What Else Has Changed?

Bent, Twisted, and Exhausted—our brand-new podcast

2. Brand New Website — It’s GORGEOUS (and Useful, Too)

We’ve given our website a major facelift, and it’s not just about looking pretty (though, let’s be honest, it does look stunning). The all-new www.conciergebusinesssolutions.com is your one-stop shop for every resource, tool, and piece of wisdom you need to build a thriving business.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

  1. A simplified, user-friendly layout (so you can actually find what you need!).
  2. Easy access to all our programs, guides, and services.
  3. A direct line to book consultations, demos, and training.

Bookmark it. Visit it often. It’s here to help YOU.

Wait, We’re Not Done Yet!

3. Essential Guides — Business Tips & Secrets You’ll Actually Use

We’ve compiled years of wisdom, trial, error, and sheer business survival instincts into an arsenal of Essential Guides. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill “how-to” books. These are no-nonsense, practical, and humorous guides designed to make your life easier.

Topics include:

  1. Pricing Strategies That Actually Work (because guessing isn’t a strategy).
  2. How to Fire a Bad Client (without them torching you on Yelp).
  3. Time Management for the Hopelessly Overwhelmed (we see you, entrepreneurs).

Check them out and start running your business like a pro.

Find Them Here!

Resources and More Just For You

4. Standard Forms, Documents, and Contracts — So You Can Stop Reinventing the Wheel 

Why spend hours drafting contracts, intake forms, and service agreements when we’ve already done it for you?

Our new collection of industry-standard documents saves you time, stress, and potential legal nightmares. Simply download, customize, and use them in your business immediately.

No more cobbling together something off Google and hoping for the best. Get the Docs Here!

 

5. Essential Elements™ ERP/CRP — Completely Updated and More Powerful Than Ever!

You asked. We listened. Then we worked some serious magic.

Our beloved Essential Elements™ ERP/CRP system has undergone a complete transformation. It’s now sleeker, smarter, and packed with more features than ever before. Whether you’re managing clients, automating billing, or tracking every moving part of your business, this system does the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.

Why you’ll love it:

  1. Automated billing that eliminates invoice headaches.
  2. Better client management so no one slips through the cracks.
  3. Time-tracking that actually makes sense (seriously, it’s a game-changer!).
  4. Three package options – and one is sure to fit your goals and your budget!

Want to see it in action? Book a Free Demo Today!

 

6. Freedom by Design — Build a Business That Runs Itself

Dream of stepping away from the daily grind while your business keeps making money? It’s not a fantasy. It’s a system.

Our new educational program, Freedom by Design, teaches you exactly how to build a business that runs itself—so you can take a vacation (or just a nap) without worrying that everything will fall apart.

This program is self-paced, available on your schedule, and includes workbooks and covers all industry benchmarks for running a small business—any business, regardless of type. Entrepreneur? We can help you.

We use the puzzle metaphor to break down the various components that create a successful business and show you how to put them together to achieve Operational Freedom.

 Don’t let your competitors beat you to it! Send a preorder request!

Weekly Free Webinar — Marketing to Realtors & HOA/Property Managers

7. Weekly Free Webinar — Marketing to Realtors & HOA/Property Managers

Struggling to build relationships with Realtors and HOA/Property Managers? These industry pros are often tough to reach, but we’ve cracked the code—and now, we’re sharing it with you.

Join our FREE weekly webinar, held every Wednesday at 9 AM PST, where we’ll teach you how to successfully market to these key decision-makers, speak their language, build lasting relationships, and grow your business.

Reserve Your Spot Here!

 

8. Blogs & Videos — Fresh Content Twice Monthly

We’re now updating our blog twice a month with insightful business strategies, tips, and stories—available in written form or as videos you can watch on YouTube.

If you love to read, we’ve got you covered. Prefer to watch and listen? Click on the video directly in the blog post or head over to YouTube for engaging, informative content designed to help you thrive in business.

Check them out here!

 

9. Earn Money with Our Affiliate Program!

Love what we do? Want to spread the word AND get paid for it? 

Introducing the Concierge Business Solutions® Affiliate Program! If you’re a fan of our products, courses, or software, why not turn that enthusiasm into extra cash? Share our resources, recommend them to fellow entrepreneurs, and earn a commission for every referral that turns into a purchase.

Simple. Smart. Profitable. Join Here!

The Bottom Line: We’ve Got Your Back.

We know how hard it is to run a business. We’ve lived it. And that’s why everything we offer is designed to make your life easier, smoother, and more successful.

Whether it’s cutting-edge software, game-changing resources, or just a good laugh on our podcast, Concierge Business Solutions® is here to help you thrive.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, explore, and start making your business work for YOU.

Visit Our New Website Today!

 

Have Questions? Contact us!

Are You a ‘Do It All’ business owner?

One of the ongoing discussions I have with my coaching clients is should you work “in” your business or “on” your business.

The answer to this is always ‘on’ (unless you are a solopreneur).

Working “on” your business instead of “in” your business is a strategic approach that focuses on long-term growth and sustainability. This concept, often emphasized in entrepreneurial circles, underscores the importance of stepping back from day-to-day operations to concentrate on overall business strategy, development, and improvement. Here are a few key reasons why this perspective is crucial for business owners:

Are You a ‘Do It All’ Business Owner? Concierge Business Solutions

1. Vision and Strategy Development:

When you work “on” your business, you allocate time to refine your vision and strategize for future growth. This involves setting goals, planning for scalability, and identifying new opportunities. By focusing on these areas, you can direct your business towards long-term success and ensure that your daily operations align with your overarching objectives.

2. Systematization and Process Improvement:

This approach allows you to develop systems and processes that improve efficiency and effectiveness. By creating standardized procedures, you can ensure consistency in your service or product quality, which is crucial for building trust and credibility with your customers. Systematization also prepares your business for scaling up without a proportional increase in overhead or resource consumption.

3. Leadership and Delegation:

Working “on” your business encourages you to build a strong team and delegate operational tasks. This not only frees up your time to focus on strategic initiatives but also empowers your team by trusting them with more responsibilities. Effective delegation enhances team skills and motivation, and it helps cultivate a pool of talent capable of driving the business forward.

4. Innovation and Adaptability:

By not getting bogged down in everyday tasks, you can dedicate time to innovation and staying ahead of industry trends. This perspective allows you to be more adaptable in changing market conditions and to pivot your business model when necessary to meet the evolving needs of your customers.

5. Personal Growth and Development:

Working “on” your business also contributes to your personal development as a leader and entrepreneur. It allows you to enhance your strategic thinking, leadership qualities, and industry expertise, which are critical for both your personal career trajectory and your business’s success.

6. Sustainability and Work-Life Balance:

Finally, this approach helps you build a business that can operate independently of your constant involvement. This sustainability is crucial not only for the business’s longevity but also for achieving a healthier work-life balance, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.

Some business owners are afraid to let go of the day-to-day contact with clients. Others worry if they aren’t involved in every single detail, the world will come to an end.

Honestly, neither is true.

 

One way to ease yourself into working “on” your business rather than “in” it, is to adopt a Management by Exception philosophy.

Management by exception is a management strategy where leaders focus their attention on significant deviations from expected performance or standards. Instead of overseeing every aspect of operations, they concentrate on addressing and resolving issues that fall outside the acceptable range of performance.

This approach enables managers to allocate their time and resources more efficiently, dealing primarily with anomalies that require their expertise or intervention.

Before you object with thoughts like, “I’m just a small boutique company, why should I invest time in creating standards or monitoring and taking formal actions?” consider this: you can’t afford NOT to engage in these activities.

Skipping on these might seem like a time-saver, but it’s a misconception. At the core of the management by exception philosophy is a powerful simplicity: instead of overwhelming yourself by trying to analyze all of your data, focus only on the 20% that highlights actionable issues.

Identify this critical data, keep an eye on it, and when something goes off track, you’re ready to quickly address the issue, understand why it happened, and take steps to prevent it in the future.

By continuously refining this process, you will enhance your business operations to a point where errors are minimal, allowing your company to operate smoothly. This efficiency not only frees you up to chase new business opportunities but also to enjoy some well-deserved downtime.

As we wrap up this week, I want to leave you with two key thoughts:

  1.  True success means being able to step away while your business runs smoothly on its own.
  2. What you measure and monitor improves; neglect it, and the system breaks down.

So, don’t try to do it all. Focus on what’s essential, tackle what needs immediate attention, and you’ll find you can achieve more in less time.

 

 

© Copyright 2025 - Concierge Business Solutions®. All rights reserved