How Do I End a Fractional Client Engagement Gracefully?

Like all things, every fractional engagement will eventually come to an end. Some fractional engagements end as planned, and others need to end because it’s not working out.

Regardless, you should do it gracefully. Here’s how.

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Check Your Contract

Does your contract have a specific end date? Or, is it a month-to-month contract? Especially if you [followed our contract best practices], your contract should include a clause about termination.

Often, a termination clause will say that either party can provide X days’ notice to the other party in the event the engagement needs to end. X is usually 15 or 30 days.

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What to Do

At an absolute minimum, you must follow the termination clause in the contract.

But giving advance notice beyond what the contract requires is generally the respectful thing to do.

The basic steps are:

1. Have the conversation in person. Don’t be like the person that breaks up with their significant other over text message.
2. Provide the necessary “written notice”. Most contracts technically require this. This can take the form of a simple email after the in-person conversation is had just so that it’s in writing as well.
3. Propose a transition plan. The transition plan is case-dependent, but may involve transitioning responsibilities to other parties, finishing final deliverables, and in the best cases actually hiring your replacement.

If you’re transitioning off a client and need to find them a new fractional replacement, Fractional Jobs can help.

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What NOT to Do

1. Do not randomly email your client that you’re ending the engagement
2. Do not end the engagement in violation of your contract
3. Do not become unengaged before the engagement ends. This should not be treated like quitting a full-time job

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