Every project has a natural life cycle. Whether it ends in launch or lets go early, we believe in parting ways with clarity, kindness, and professionalism.
Some Flights Divert
Not Every Project Crosses the Finish Line
Sometimes priorities shift. Budgets tighten. Visions change. And occasionally, a project just isn’t the right fit anymore. While nobody starts a project expecting to pull the plug, the truth is: endings are a natural part of creative and collaborative work.
At Flight Plan, we believe how you wrap things up matters just as much as how you kick things off. A respectful, intentional offboarding process protects relationships, preserves trust, and—even when the work ends—leaves the door open for future connection.
Respect First
Ending a Project Doesn’t Have to Burn Bridges
Ending a project isn’t a failure. It’s a decision. And when handled with maturity and care, it can be a mutual step forward instead of a setback.
Whether it’s our call or the client’s, we approach every project closeout with honesty, empathy, and a focus on what’s best for all parties involved. No finger-pointing. No ghosting. Just open communication and a shared desire to land the plane smoothly.
Smooth Landing
A Clear Offboarding Process
We’ve built a simple, thoughtful offboarding process to ensure that even unfinished projects close with clarity. Our team ensures:
- A complete handoff of assets, logins, and deliverables
- A final project summary or status report
- Clear next-step recommendations, whether you continue the work in-house or with a new team
- A wrap-up call, when needed, to tie up any loose ends
We also stay available for reasonable questions or clarifications after the project wraps. Because it’s not just about what’s written into the contract, it’s about showing up as professionals to the very end.
No Surprises
Transparent Billing Practices
One of the more delicate aspects of ending a project is settling up financially. We prioritize transparency and fairness above all else.
Here’s how we approach final billing:
- We invoice only for work completed, not for work planned or imagined
- We provide detailed breakdowns of hours, deliverables, and outstanding items
- If something feels unclear or unexpected, we’re ready to talk it through and adjust where needed
When both sides understand the numbers, it’s easier to walk away with mutual respect intact.
Integrity Always
We’re Not Above an Apology: Owning Our Part
Sometimes, we don’t get it quite right. Timelines slip, expectations don’t align, or a deliverable misses the mark. When that happens, we own it.
We’ll offer a heartfelt apology, not a corporate shrug—and make every effort to do right by the client and the project. That might include:
- Putting in unpaid hours to smooth the transition
- Offering billing adjustments or credits
- Providing a thoughtful post-mortem to reflect on what happened and what we’ve learned
It’s not about optics, it’s about integrity. We believe accountability builds stronger, longer-lasting relationships, even in difficult moments.
Still a Team
Collaboration Doesn’t End at Offboarding
Some of our best client relationships have come from projects that didn’t go according to plan. Why? Because we stayed collaborative, communicative, and kind, even as the scope changed or the work ended.
We’ve had clients come back months (or years) later, refer us to others, or pick up right where we left off, because of how the previous project ended.
When the relationship is treated with care, the connection remains.
Conclusion
Every Exit Is an Opportunity
Whether we’re launching your next campaign or helping you wrap up midstream, we bring the same mindset: clarity, professionalism, and heart.
At Flight Plan, we know that projects—like flights—don’t always go as planned. But when the landing is intentional and dignified, everyone walks away better for it.
