We hit a 35% profit margin last month.
That’s well above “healthy.” Most agencies would kill for it.

And still…we panicked. 🫠

Because this year, more clients have handed in their notice than in any year before. Some left due to the economy, some because of financial reasons, and some because of the political climate. Most reasons were completely out of our control.

If you’ve ever had a slow season or lost clients back-to-back, you probably know the feeling: that little voice asking, Are we stable enough? Are we growing fast enough? What if the bottom falls out?

Here’s what we’ve learned (and what I hope helps you if you’re spiraling too).

Some boundaries are essential. Some boundaries are just… games in disguise.

Here’s the truth: if you’re intentionally timing your messages so clients can’t respond, that’s not professionalism. That’s pettiness.

Strong client relationships are built on mutual respect. Respect for your time, your client’s time, and for the trust you’re building together. And while boundaries are a non-negotiable part of business, avoidance isn’t a boundary. It’s a slow leak in your client relationship.

Listen, mistakes happen. What matters is how they’re handled.

We recently made a mistake that almost cost us a high-ticket client. And while we’re human and understand mistakes pop up from time to time, it’s so important to assess them so they don’t happen again.

In this blog post, we’re giving you a deep look at what we did to make things right. Keep reading so you can handle mistakes in business with grace and integrity, too!

Do you have client feedback collecting dust in a folder somewhere? If so, you’re missing out on major opportunities to learn and evolve!

One of the biggest shifts that got Champagne Collective from six to seven figures was listening to our clients. They can tell you more about your business, offerings, and target audience than anything else can.

Feedback isn’t just a pat on the back. It’s your roadmap to improve your services, retain your clients, and stand out in a crowded market.

So, how exactly do we use their feedback as a springboard to success? We’re telling you in this post.

At Champagne Collective, we rely on our project management tools for client task submission, team task assignments, and so much more. It’s the backbone of our daily operations, and the reason we can deliver white-glove services to our clients.

But what happens when your project management tool feels more like a chore than a day-to-day blessing?

It means it’s not working for you. In today’s post, we’re sharing why your project management tool isn’t working — and what you can do to fix it.

Bending over backward for your clients is killing your productivity.

We’re not talking about exceeding expectations in your work. We always encourage that! We mean going out of your way in ways that slow you down, hurt your business, or waste your precious time.

Here’s why you can’t let clients push your boundaries just because they pay your invoices.

Are your clients hurting your revenue? I know that sounds counterintuitive. You work with clients to make money, right? That’s the ideal case, but when your clients have commitment issues, it drains your energy and hurts your bottom line. If you’re always chasing and replacing clients instead of attracting long-term, high-value ones, this might be why. Read to the end to learn how to fix it!

It’s every service-based entrepreneur’s dream to create a roster of dreamy, long-term clients. When you have clients you work with month-over-month, it gives you stability and comfort in your business. But how do you sign clients and then continue to keep them on board? Your instinct is to deliver high-quality work, but is that really all it takes? In this blog post, I’m sharing what I know about building sturdy client relationships.

High-quality businesses thrive on high-quality tools. Whether it’s apps, team members, or contractors, investing wisely always pays off in the long run. For us, prioritizing our client experience means using top-notch tools and resources. Here are our go-to tools to help our business run smoothly and effectively.

POV: You outsource tasks in your business to help you grow. That’s amazing! BUT. . . That doesn’t mean your service provider is responsible for your sales. Your team isn't going to generate six figures in sales for you alone. As a business owner, you are responsible for showing up, engaging with your audience, and driving sales. So, how can you increase sales in your business with the help of your team?

Are you continuously getting off of sales calls thinking, “What the fuck was that?” If so, you have a messaging problem! This is what you need to do: change your messaging so it attracts and converts your dream clients.

The good news is that if your business’s back end isn’t working the way you want it to, you can fix it with just three simple steps. But before we get into it, here are four ways to identify if your back end needs some TLC!

I hate to break it to you, but if you’re struggling to keep clients in your business, it’s probably because your communication systems suck. Keeping the lines open within your team and with your clients ensures clarity, trust, and growth. Without it, your business can quickly turn into a dumpster fire of lost information, missed deadlines, and disappointed clients. ⁠Here’s what I recommend to take your communication with clients to the next level so they want to stick around!!

If you’re doing this one thing every.single.month, we need to talk because it means you’re essentially working for free. And we BOTH know you did not go into business to make $0. Every time you send an invoice after you complete client work, you run the risk of leaving so much money on the table. Here’s what I suggest instead!

It’s no secret that running a business isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. When working with clients, there are definitely things that give me the ick. That’s normal. However, the key is to communicate your boundaries clearly with your clients so issues don’t continue to arise. If you wouldn’t go on a second date with someone who gives you the ick, why do you continue working with clients who disrespect your boundaries? Read on to learn 4 things that give me the ick and how to avoid them!

One of the best ways to stay on track with your clients as a virtual assistant or service provider is to send out client feedback forms or questionnaires occasionally throughout the year. This is a great way to request honest feedback, which can then help you serve them even better. However, sending the feedback form is only the first step. Read on to learn how to use your client feedback to create an action plan that helps you serve them the best you possibly can!

Have you ever worked really hard on a client project and excitedly submitted it to them for review, only to get constructive feedback from them on aspects they don’t like? I know this can feel a little discouraging, but please know, we’ve all been there. Read on to learn what to do if your client doesn’t like something you’ve created so you can move forward with confidence and a plan to get the project to completion. 

We are beyond blessed here at AK/VA to work with incredible, talented, and wildly successful clients who are making an impact on the world each and every day. After working with many business owners, we know what works and what doesn’t work in the online space. Read on to learn how to land these types of clients and what the 5 habits of our most successful clients are so you can implement these habits, too!