RS390 Why you're still taking on the wrong clients (and how to stop)

RS390 Why you're still taking on the wrong clients (and how to stop)

From Reimagining Success® with Anna Lundberg by Anna Lundberg

April 20, 2026 · 14 min · Episode 390

About this episode

Anna Lundberg discusses why entrepreneurs often take on the wrong clients and how to avoid this pitfall.

A few years into your business, you have enough clients, enough experience, and enough reputation to be selective - and yet somehow you still end up working with people who aren't quite right, doing work that isn't quite what you want. Anna Lundberg unpacks exactly why this keeps happening and what to do about it. Key takeaways The filter problem - Your ideal client criteria was right for where you were three years ago. If your expertise and positioning have shifted but your filter hasn't, the business will keep pulling you in a direction you're trying to leave. Obligation masquerading as opportunity - A warm referral, a loyal long-term client, someone who genuinely wants to work with you. None of these are bad things. But they're not reasons to say yes to work that isn't right. The question to ask: if this came in cold from someone I didn't know, would I want it? The call is not a filter - By the time someone is on a call with you, you're already invested. Qualification needs to happen before that point - through an application form, a questionnaire, or at minimum a clear statement on your website about who this is and isn't for. Choose discomfort over resentment - Saying no has…

People in this episode

Host: Anna Lundberg

Topics covered

  • client selection
  • business strategy
  • entrepreneurship
  • self improvement

Keywords

  • ideal client
  • business growth
  • client criteria
  • qualification process

More episodes of Reimagining Success® with Anna Lundberg

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Reimagining Success® with Anna Lundberg podcast page.