That sinking feeling when you see *that* client’s name pop up in your inbox? Yep, we’ve ALL been there…

Energy-draining clients who question everything, implement nothing, and have you working harder on THEIR success than they are.

But here’s the crazy truth that nobody’s talking about: holding onto these wrong-fit clients isn’t just frustrating—it’s actively BLOCKING your business growth!

The Wrong-Fit Client Syndrome (And Why It’s Costing You BIG Time)

Let me paint a picture that might feel a little too familiar. You’ve got a client who:

• Always comes to sessions unprepared or with a list of reasons why they couldn’t complete their assignments
• Makes you explain the same concepts over and over because they’re not implementing your advice
• Constantly challenges your expertise or says “I’ve tried that already” to every strategy
• Has you feeling like YOU’RE the problem when they don’t get results

If you’re nodding along, you might be experiencing what I call “wrong-fit client syndrome.” And trust me, it’s costing you WAY more than just your patience.

Here’s exactly how these clients are hurting your business:

1. Energy Drain

Every minute you spend trying to convince a non-coachable client to take action is energy that could be directed toward serving your ideal clients or creating that new program you’ve been dreaming about. Your energy is finite and your most valuable resource as an entrepreneur!

2. Confidence Crusher

I’ve seen this happen to even the most skilled coaches. When you pour your heart into helping someone who isn’t ready to be helped, it makes you question your entire approach. You start thinking, “Maybe my methods don’t work,” when the reality is you’re simply working with someone who isn’t ready.

3. Growth Blocker

How can you scale when you’re not getting those amazing testimonials and case studies? How can you attract premium clients when your time is consumed by low-energy ones? Hanging onto wrong-fit clients is like trying to drive with one foot on the gas and one on the brake!

My Personal “Bless and Release” Story

Recently, I had a client sign up for my highest-tier service, and from day one, there were red flags everywhere. She questioned every strategy I suggested, was consistently late for calls, and always had an excuse for why she couldn’t implement our agreed-upon plans.

The worst part? We’d have a meeting, make decisions, agree on next steps—and then everything would change by the next morning. Classic pattern!

But I kept telling myself, “This client paid good money. I need to make it work.” So I spent HOURS creating custom resources, sending extra support emails, and essentially trying to drag her across the finish line.

Meanwhile, my other clients—the ones actually taking action and seeing results—were getting less of my attention. My content creation fell behind. My own marketing suffered. And despite all my extra effort, this client wasn’t getting results because she wasn’t doing her part.

After months of this exhausting cycle, I finally realized something had to change. I had a heart-to-heart conversation with her and suggested that perhaps I wasn’t the right fit for her ongoing needs. I fulfilled the remaining scope of work, maintained a professional relationship, and we parted ways on good terms.

And guess what? A HUGE weight lifted off my shoulders immediately!

The Mindset Shifts That Changed Everything

Making this decision required fundamental mindset shifts that transformed how I view client relationships:

1. From Scarcity to Abundance

Instead of “I need every client I can get,” I embraced “There are plenty of clients who will value my work.” This wasn’t just positive thinking—it was a strategic business decision that gave me permission to be selective.

2. Redefining Client Service

I realized that true service isn’t saying yes to everything or over-delivering to compensate for a client’s lack of action. Sometimes the most supportive thing is recognizing when a relationship isn’t working and creating space for both parties to find better fits.

3. Releasing Control of Outcomes

I had to accept that I couldn’t control how clients would respond to these conversations. I could only control how I showed up—with professionalism, clarity, and compassion.

Once I made these shifts, everything changed. The anxiety and self-doubt disappeared. I stopped questioning my abilities when clients didn’t implement the work. My energy transformed because I wasn’t constantly trying to prove my value to someone not ready to receive it.

Most importantly, I gained incredible clarity about what I wanted in future clients and established firm boundaries I was committed to maintaining.

But What If I NEED Every Client?

I hear you thinking, “But Michelle, I need every client I can get right now!”

Let me challenge that thinking: You can’t afford NOT to be selective.

What if, instead of viewing client selection as a luxury you can’t afford, you start seeing it as a necessary business strategy? What if the path to scaling isn’t taking on more clients, but rather taking on the RIGHT clients?

Try these powerful reframes:

• Instead of “Every potential client is a good client” → “Only clients who are ready and willing to do the work are right for my business.”
• Instead of “If a client isn’t getting results, I need to work harder” → “My role is to provide the roadmap and support, but clients must drive their own journey.”
• Instead of “Saying no to a potential client means losing income” → “Saying no to the wrong client creates space for the right clients who bring more long-term value.”

These aren’t just feel-good affirmations—they’re strategic business decisions that directly impact your bottom line.

How to Attract Better Clients (And Fewer Problem Ones)

If you’re constantly attracting clients who don’t take action, aren’t coachable, or don’t value your expertise, something in your marketing is sending the wrong signals.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. Be crystal clear about your expectations in all your marketing materials, discovery calls, contracts, and onboarding processes. Clearly communicate what clients can expect from you AND what you expect from them.
2. Share stories of ideal client journeys that highlight not just the results achieved, but the path they took to get there. This subtly communicates the type of client you work best with.
3. Don’t be afraid to talk about who you’re NOT for. Some of the most effective marketing includes statements like “This program isn’t for you if you’re looking for a quick fix” or “We don’t work with clients who aren’t willing to implement between sessions.”
4. Price appropriately. Sometimes underpricing attracts clients who don’t value your expertise. Consider whether your pricing reflects the commitment level you expect.
5. Create a pre-qualification process with questions that assess readiness and fit. Ask specific questions like “Have you worked with a coach before? What was your experience like? Are you an action taker?”

The “Bless and Release” Conversation Framework

But what about those existing clients who need to be blessed and released? Here’s the framework I’ve used successfully:

1. Approach from service, not frustration. Remember, the goal is to help this person find the right solution for their needs, even if it’s not with you.
2. Acknowledge their goals and your journey together. Start by recognizing the work you’ve done.
3. Share your observations honestly. “I’ve noticed you seem to struggle with implementing the strategies we discuss, and I wonder if my approach isn’t the best fit for your learning style.”
4. Focus on their success. “My ultimate goal is your success, and I’m not convinced continuing our work together is the best path to that success.”
5. Offer options. This might include referring them to another coach, suggesting a different program level, or discussing a clean break.

Remember, this conversation is not about placing blame—it’s about finding the best path forward for both of you.

The Benefits of Working Only with Dream Clients

When you serve only those who are truly ready for your guidance, value your expertise, and do the work, you’ll start to notice some magical things happen:

• You get energized rather than drained by client interactions
• Your confidence soars as you see consistent results
• You collect powerful testimonials and case studies
• Your reputation grows as a coach who delivers transformations
• You attract more ideal clients through referrals and word of mouth
• You have more time and energy to create new offerings and scale your business

And perhaps most importantly, those clients who weren’t a good fit get the opportunity to find the right guide for their journey.

So I challenge you: Look at your client roster honestly. Are there any relationships that need to be blessed and released? What would your business look like if you worked exclusively with dream clients?

Remember, choosing to work only with your ideal clients isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. And it might just be the breakthrough your business has been waiting for.

Want to learn more about blessing and releasing clients gracefully? Check out the full episode of The Traffic & Conversions Show for my step-by-step framework and exact words to use in these conversations. And while you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next big idea that could transform your coaching business!

Remember, in the coaching world, working with the right clients isn’t just more enjoyable—it’s your fastest path to growth, impact, and the business freedom you’ve been dreaming of.