How to Lose a Customer in 10 Days: A Guide to Brand Mismanagement

Ever wondered how to lose a client in just 10 days? Well, we’ve got the inside scoop. Don’t worry, though—this is all in good fun. We’ll show you what not to do when it comes to branding and marketing yourself on social media.

Day 1: Assume They’re Yours Forever

The quickest way to lose a customer is to assume they’ll stick around no matter what. Once you take them for granted, you stop putting in the effort that made them choose you in the first place. Complacency is the enemy of loyalty.

Day 2: Be Inconsistent

Show up when you feel like it. Skip a few deadlines here and there, and don’t bother maintaining regular communication. Inconsistency signals to your customers that they can’t rely on you, and nothing drives them away faster than unreliability.

Day 3: Ignore Their Needs

Focus solely on your agenda and forget about what your customer actually wants. By failing to listen and understand their needs, you demonstrate that your business is all about you—not them.

Day 4: Don’t Bother Following Up

Once the sale is made, disappear. Why bother checking in to see if the customer is satisfied or if they need anything else? Lack of follow-up sends a clear message: you’re only interested in the transaction, not the relationship.

Day 5: Handle Complaints Poorly

When a customer complains, brush it off or, better yet, argue with them. Make them feel like they’re overreacting or that the issue isn’t your problem. This will quickly erode any goodwill and ensure they never come back.

"The quickest way to lose a client is to stop listening. The quickest way to keep one is to make them feel heard."- Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group

Day 6: Offer No Added Value

Provide only the bare minimum. Don’t go the extra mile, offer tips, or provide additional resources. When customers see that there’s no added value, they’ll start looking for someone who offers more.

Day 7: Overpromise and Underdeliver

Make big promises, then fail to meet them. Overpromising and underdelivering is a surefire way to breed disappointment and frustration. Customers will soon learn not to trust you, and that’s the beginning of the end.

Day 8: Forget to Show Appreciation

Never thank your customers or show any gratitude for their business. When customers feel unappreciated, they’re far more likely to take their business elsewhere—somewhere they feel valued.

Day 9: Make Everything About Money

Constantly push for more sales, upsells, and cross-sells without regard for the customer’s experience. When customers feel like they’re just a dollar sign to you, they’ll start looking for a company that sees them as more.

Day 10: Ignore Their Feedback

When customers offer feedback, dismiss it or ignore it entirely. Showing that you don’t care about their opinions ensures they’ll take their feedback—and their business—somewhere it’s valued.

• Losing a client in 10 days might sound easy, but keeping them requires consistency, engagement, and a client-focused approach. Remember, social media is a powerful tool for building long-term relationships, not just for broadcasting your message.

At Branded with Honor, we’re all about helping you master the art of branding and marketing on social media. By avoiding the pitfalls of inconsistency, self-centered content, and ignoring feedback, you can turn your social media presence into a client-magnet. Let us guide you on your journey to branding success with my weekly newsletter Branded with Honor .

Losing a client in 10 days might be a fun concept for a rom-com, but in reality, we’re all about helping you keep them for life. Apply these lessons, and watch your brand (and client list) grow!