Why the end is really the beginning

Recently, I ended a personal relationship. It was actually something good for both of us. It quite simply was not meant to be. Different values and too big of an age difference. What worked, worked really well, and what didn't, was unfortunately a deal breaker.

Both parties will be happier and better for the experience in the future.

Sometimes you can continue on as friends, but usually there needs to be a certain amount of space to get to this point.

Other times, when someone does something that directly hurts another, it is far more difficult.

In business, its the same. If you decide to use one supplier over another and have to end a relationship, there will be times when you 'wished that you hadn't' or 'were happy that you did'. 

Client relationships are more tricky. We never want to end a client relationship but sometimes people's needs change. Sometimes the client needs a differen type of service or perhaps they don't understand what you are offering to fully appreciate the value of it. Sometimes the agency (in our case) knows that what the client needs is a different service. Perhaps, it is just PR that the company needs rather than the holistic marketing service we provide. Or maybe its not cost-effective for us to have that client because they take up too much time with not a decent enough ROI.

Relationships are hard but when they end, there is always a silver lining. Its an experience that 'we have to have' and it brings us hopefully closer to understanding our needs and that of others around us.

When did you last have a 'break up' and how did it help you moving forward?

Mellissah Smith, in Atlanta.