Ever been in a situation where taking on a client felt like the opportunity, but something deep inside told you to hit pause? Maybe it was the dollar signs clouding your judgment or the allure of working with a “big name.” But as small business owners or leaders, one of the hardest lessons we learn is that not all business is good business. And sometimes, the best move you can make is saying “no.”

We’ve been there at Levvel. I’m sure many others can relate too. Picture this: A client lands in your inbox, and they check all the external boxes. The project is lucrative. It’s high-profile. It’s the kind of contract that could open doors. Yet something feels… off.

We’ve walked away before. And not just once. Here’s why we believe it’s not just OK but sometimes necessary to fire a client—or better yet, never start a relationship in the first place.

When the Dollars Don’t Align with Your Values

A few years back, we had a potential client approach us with a project that seemed tailor-made for our expertise. They needed help navigating a transformation, something we do exceptionally well. But when we dug deeper, red flags started waving.

Their leadership didn’t seem to value the people side of change. They wanted results, fast—without any regard for the employees who’d be most affected. They weren’t interested in conversations about sustainable change or employee well-being.

Could we have taken the contract? Sure. Would it have been profitable? Absolutely. But we knew that helping them in the way they wanted would mean compromising our values. And at Levvel, our core belief is simple: People come first. If a client isn’t aligned with that philosophy, it’s not a good fit. We walked away.

When the Fit Isn’t Right for Your Team

Sometimes, it’s not just about the client’s values—it’s about your people. A toxic client relationship can drain the energy, creativity, and well-being of your team. We’ve seen it happen.

There was one client who, in the early stages, seemed collaborative and enthusiastic. But once the contract started, communication became demanding, deadlines were unrealistic, and their tone turned condescending.

The tipping point? One of our team members confided, “I dread every meeting with them.” That was enough for us. Our people are the heartbeat of what we do. If a client relationship is taking a toll on them, it’s not worth the cost. So, we ended the partnership. It wasn’t an easy decision, but in hindsight, it was the right one—for our team and for our business.

When It’s Just Not the Right Time

Saying no isn’t always about values or relationships. Sometimes, it’s simply about capacity. As small businesses, we often feel pressure to take on everything that comes our way. But saying yes to one client often means saying no to something else—whether that’s another opportunity or the mental health of your team.

We once turned down a project that, on paper, seemed like a game-changer. But we knew taking it on would stretch our resources to the breaking point. The risk of burnout for our team outweighed the reward.

And guess what? That decision didn’t sink us. In fact, it opened up space for other opportunities better aligned with our capacity and goals.

Being Levvel Headed – The Bigger Picture

Walking away from a client—whether it’s before the contract starts or mid-project—isn’t a failure. It’s a sign of strength. It’s about staying true to your values, protecting your team, and keeping your business in balance.

Sure, saying no can feel scary, especially when you’re a small business and every dollar counts. But here’s the truth: Not every client is worth the cost. Some relationships will drain your resources, hurt your team, or compromise what you stand for. And in the long run, those aren’t relationships worth holding onto.

So, if you’re wrestling with whether to take on a client or continue a partnership that feels wrong, trust your gut. It’s OK to walk away. In fact, it’s often the best thing you can do—for you, your team, and your business.

What about you? Have you ever walked away from a client or ended a contract that didn’t align with your values? We’d love to hear your story. Share your experiences — Reach out to Connect@levvel.ca. We’re all in this together.

Let’s connect.