Why I Stopped Chasing Clients—and Found Better Projects Instead
Discover how stepping back from client chasing led to more fulfilling projects and valuable opportunities. Transform your approach for greater success.
Written by Logan
OptiLeads editorial guide · Human-first SEO
Logan writes from the messy middle: the experiments that flopped, the lessons that took too long to learn, and the practical fixes that finally held up.
What happened, summed up
For too long, I chased clients. You know, that tedious cycle of proposals, revisions, and awkward coffee meetings. The fix wasn’t some magical client-finding elixir but a mindset shift toward meaningful projects that energized me instead.
Then it hit me
One day, as I sat across from a client who was more interested in my doodles than my portfolio, I had an embarrassing realization: I was treating my work like a job you hate. I was balancing spreadsheets while dreaming of creative freedom. That was my moment of clarity. The more I chased clients, the more I lost sight of what I actually loved about web design.
An illustrative story
This one time, I pitched for a project I knew wasn’t right for me. The client was a local sandwich shop wanting a flashy website to attract diners. I had visions of artfully placed imagery and stunning typography dancing in my head. But when I met with them, all they cared about was the "sandwich of the month" feature and whether or not the colors matched their deli wrappers. I was stubborn, convinced that my ideas had to eclipse their sandwich visions.
So, I buckled down and created a design that was… let's just say, more “Logan” than what they requested. When I presented it, their response was lukewarm. I remember thinking, “But look at these gradients! They’re amazing!” Meanwhile, they were baffled, not wanting gradients but a robust menu display instead. It was a flop.
This failure highlighted a crucial lesson: I was so lost in chasing clients and trying to impress them that I missed the essential details of what they genuinely needed. I thought I knew better than the shop owners. In reality, I didn’t connect with the project or the people involved. So, I adjusted my focus.
The real change
Instead of chasing clients, I started to look for projects that resonated with my skills and interests. I reached out to businesses I admired, asking questions rather than pitching blindly. It felt like a refreshing change, like the first sip of coffee after a long night.
By engaging in conversations rather than negotiations, I clarified what matters. I looked for projects that played to my strengths and interests instead of just the ones that paid the bills. The best part? I enjoyed my work again, and the right clients began to find me. They appreciated what I brought to the table, and trust me, it was a much easier sell.
Next steps to consider
- Define your ideal projects: Who do you want to work with? What kind of work gets you excited? Write it down.
- Engage with potential clients: Instead of sending a proposal, try initiating a conversation. Ask questions and be genuinely curious.
- Drop the pitch: When you're building a rapport, you can skip the hard sell. Show your value through conversation, not a sales deck.
- Refine your portfolio: Showcase projects that align with your ideal work and let them speak for themselves.
- Stay persistent: It may take time, but focusing on projects of interest will lead to better outcomes.
Key takeaway
Stop chasing clients and start seeking projects that inspire you. Engagement will lead to genuine connections and ultimately, better outcomes for both you and your clients.
FAQ
- What if I need income but hate my current projects? Consider taking on smaller projects aligned with your interests while phasing out the ones that drain you.
- How can I approach clients differently? Write personalized messages that show you've done your homework about their business. Ask questions instead of making demands.
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