The Floral Hustle - How to Bounce Back After Losing a Client

Feb 24 2025 15 mins

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Losing a client sucks—it can feel like a punch to the gut, making you question everything. But what if losing a client is actually a sign that you're doing things right?

In this episode, Jen shares powerful mindset shifts and strategies to help you recover from rejection, use it as feedback, and move forward stronger than ever. If you’ve ever lost a bid, been ghosted by a client, or felt discouraged after a “no,” this episode is for you!

💡 Rejection isn’t the end—it’s a redirection to something better. Let’s turn losses into lessons and opportunities!

Key Takeaways: How to Handle Client Rejection & Keep Moving Forward

1. If You’re Closing 100% of Your Leads, You Might Have a Problem

🔹 Not every client is the right fit—and that’s a GOOD thing.
🔹 If you’re booking everyone who inquires, you’re probably too cheap or too accommodating.
🔹 A healthy closing rate is 60-75%—if you never hear “no,” it’s time to raise your prices.

🌿 Action Step: Instead of chasing every single inquiry, focus on attracting the RIGHT clients who value your expertise.

2. Always Ask WHY You Lost the Booking

🔹 When a client chooses another florist, don’t just move on—get feedback!
🔹 Send a simple email:
"Thank you for letting me know! As a small business owner, I’m always looking to improve. Would you mind sharing why you went in a different direction?"
🔹 90% of the time, people will reply—and their feedback is GOLD for refining your process.

🌿 Action Step: Start tracking reasons for lost bookings in a spreadsheet to spot trends and improve your strategy.

3. Take Feedback, But Don’t Take It Personally

🔹 Sometimes, it’s just a style mismatch or location preference—not a flaw in your business.
🔹 If multiple clients mention pricing, response time, or a specific service gap, that’s a sign to improve your process.
🔹 If someone chooses a cheaper florist, let them go—you don’t want price shoppers anyway!

🌿 Action Step: Instead of dwelling on rejection, use it as a learning tool to refine your offers and attract better clients.

4. Reframe the Loss—A Better Opportunity is Coming

🔹 Losing one client does NOT mean your business is failing!
🔹 Instead of spiraling into self-doubt, remind yourself:
✅ I am amazing at what I do.
✅ My work is valuable, and the right clients will see that.
✅ This “no” is making room for an even better opportunity.

🌿 Action Step: Make a list of all the wins you’ve had recently—bookings, client love, business milestones—to shift your mindset back to abundance.

5. Stay Focused on the Big Picture

🔹 One lost booking doesn’t define your business. Look at the bigger picture—how’s your overall growth?
🔹 A single setback doesn’t erase your wins—you still have amazing clients, a thriving business, and so much ahead.
🔹 If things feel slow, take action:
✔️ Reach out to planners and venues.
✔️ Follow up with past inquiries.
✔️ Optimize your website and social media.

🌿 Action Step: Every "no" frees up your calendar—use that space to network, improve your marketing, and attract higher-quality bookings.

Final Thoughts: Keep Pushing Forward

🚀 Losing a client is not the end—it’s a stepping stone to something greater.

✅ Refuse to take rejection personally.
✅ Seek feedback, but don’t dwell on it.
✅ Trust that a BETTER client is coming.
✅ Keep showing up, marketing, and refining your process.

💡 Your dream bookings are waiting—you just have to keep going!

Join the Floral CEO Mastermind & Take Your Business to the Next Level

🔹 Need support, strategy, and a network of florists who lift each other up? The Floral CEO Mastermind is where you’ll get expert coaching, accountability, and community to grow your business with confidence.