Are You Saying Yes to the Wrong Clients?
As a web designer, freelancer, or agency owner, you’ve likely had at least one client who drained your energy, made endless demands, or undervalued your expertise. Maybe you took the project because you needed the money or felt obligated. But what if there was a simple test to help you decide which clients to take on and which to walk away from?
That’s where the Joy, Energy, and Money Test comes in.
The Problem with Saying Yes to Everyone
One of the biggest mistakes freelancers make is accepting clients who are not a good fit. Whether it’s a low-paying gig, an overly demanding client, or a project that doesn’t align with your expertise, these choices can lead to:
- Burnout – Feeling drained and uninspired by your work.
- Underpricing – Struggling to make ends meet because you undervalued your skills.
- Time Waste – Spending hours on projects that don’t move your business forward.
The Joy Energy and Money Framework
Before saying yes to a new client, ask yourself these three simple questions:
- Does this client give me joy?
- Do I feel excited about working with them?
- Do they respect my expertise?
- Would I look forward to our conversations and collaboration?
- Does this project give me energy?
- Do I feel motivated when working on this?
- Will this project challenge me in a way that makes me grow?
- Does it fit into the bigger picture of where I want my business to go?
- Does it pay well (Money)?
- Am I being fairly compensated for my work?
- Does this project align with my pricing model and financial goals?
- Will it contribute to my business growth instead of just filling my time?
The Rule: You Need a YES on All Three
If a client or project does not meet all three criteria, it’s a no-go. Simple.
- If they bring joy and energy but no money, it’s a hobby, not a business.
- If they bring money and energy but no joy, you’ll feel drained.
- If they bring joy and money but no energy, you’ll feel uninspired and stuck.
A Real-Life Example
One freelancer in our community recently shared a powerful lesson. She had a client who constantly undervalued her expertise, made unreasonable demands, and pushed her boundaries. At first, she tried to accommodate them, thinking it would lead to more opportunities. But over time, she realized:
- The client didn’t respect her time.
- The project was draining her energy.
- The pay wasn’t worth the emotional exhaustion.
She finally applied the Joy, Energy, and Money Test and walked away. The result? A weight lifted off her shoulders, and within weeks, she landed a dream client who valued her expertise and paid her well.
How to Apply This to Your Business
- Set Boundaries – Make your criteria clear before signing any contracts.
- Trust Your Gut – If something feels off, don’t ignore it.
- Practice Saying No – Turning down the wrong clients makes room for the right ones.
- Use This Test for Every Client – Evaluate your existing clients and make adjustments where necessary.
Your time, energy, and expertise are valuable. By using the Joy, Energy, and Money Test, you ensure that every client you take on supports your business growth, not just your bank account. The more you enforce these boundaries, the more you attract the right clients—ones who respect your work, value your time, and contribute to a business that feels good to run.
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