I walked away from a $2,500 nutrition client

Not every nutrition client is worth it. Here’s why I walked away from a $2,500 client, and how setting boundaries, avoiding misaligned clients, and focusing on the right fit can transform your business and client results.

2-Tips

By Jennifer Broxterman, RD

Kind Nerd Note: Saying no to the wrong clients is how you say yes to the right ones.

Tip #1:
I Walked Away From a $2,500 Client

Last week I walked away from a $2,500 client who was supposed to start my VIP Nutrition Program.

Her spot was held. Paperwork done. Everything ready to go.⁣

The week before, I even jumped on a free “discovery call” (something I almost never do), because her friend mentioned English wasn’t her first language and we wanted to make sure we could communicate clearly.⁣

But then…⁣

After already knowing my coaching is 100% virtual, she started dodging emails, and messaged last minute saying she wouldn’t move forward unless we met again first (for another free 60-minute call) and switched everything to in-person.⁣

Um, hard no.⁣

Old me would’ve tried to “save the sale.”⁣ Bend my business model to make the client happy.⁣

Now?⁣

If it’s not aligned from the start, it’s a no.⁣

Coaching works best when both sides are all in.⁣ It’s not my job to convince someone to change.⁣ It’s my job to support the people who are already ready.⁣

BTW… I filled her spot immediately from my cancellation list with someone excited to start sooner.⁣

April is fully booked, May is fully booked, and I’m now scheduling into mid-June.⁣

I’ll be just fine. :)

Tip #2:
Competitive Pumpkin Farming

Years ago I read a book that genuinely changed how I run my practice.

It's called The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz, and the whole concept comes from the world of competitive pumpkin farming.

(Stay with me.)

Giant pumpkin growers don't just throw seeds in the ground and hope. They plant strategically, then ruthlessly cull the small, struggling pumpkins so all the nutrients go to the ones with the most potential. The result? Pumpkins that win world records.

Michalowicz realized the same thing applies to business:

Plant the right seeds. Focus relentlessly on the one thing you do better than anyone else, instead of trying to be everything to everyone.

Weed out the misaligned clients. Small, difficult clients drain your energy and stunt your growth, just like rotten pumpkins in a patch. Let them go.

Nurture the winners. Once you know who your best clients are, overdeliver. Blow their minds.

Tip #1 is basically me living this book in real time.

And yes, if you searched my digital calendar, you'd see "Pumpkin Plan" written next to the names of past clients I've let go. It's my little reminder that I made the right call.

Stay kind + nerdy,   

❤️🐻🌈

Jen Broxterman
Registered Dietitian
Prosper Nutrition Coaching

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Jennifer Broxterman, MSc, RD

REGISTERED DIETITIAN & SPORTS NUTRITIONIST
• Award-winning Foods & Nutrition University Professor
• Successful entrepreneur of owner of NutritionRx
• 16 year CrossFit affiliate owner with my husband
• Founder of Prosper Nutrition Coaching & lead nutrition coach