(Note: This article was written in 2012. Obviously, I haven't quit the business entirely -- just parts of it!)

It's been ten years since I first launched my Selling to Big Companies website. I created it because I had a passionate desire to help smaller firms land larger contracts.

And, because my clients are bigger companies, I know what it takes.

I spent months writing ebooks, developing audio programs and creating just-in-time learning for these entrepreneurs. I invested just as much time making sure my website attracted the people I developed it for. Then I finally wrote the book -- and it's been selling like gangbusters since 2006.

Since the launch of Selling to Big Companies, it's been widely heralded as a brilliant branding move that clearly defined my market niche. When people thought of selling to big companies, they thought of me.

So why am I shutting down SellingtoBigCompanies.com on April 6th? A ton of reasons, but here are the primary ones:

• Branding limitations: I know it's hard to believe that a good brand can be limiting, but it's the truth. Shortly after my book came out, I discovered that many of my targeted readers thought it was only for salespeople who already sold to big companies. In short, it's preventing me from reaching so many of the people whom I want to impact.

• Personal evolution: Over the past decade, my own interests have evolved. When I wrote SNAP Selling, it was because I became fascinated with how to deal effectively with today's crazy-busy prospects. My next book will be on the mindset needed for sales success. And who knows what's coming after that. Ultimately, being branded as Ms. Selling to Big Companies was personally limiting.

• Simplifying my life: To cope with my evolving interests, I launched new websites: SalesShebang.com (women in sales), GetBacktoWorkFaster.com (job seekers), SnapSelling.com (book launch), JillKonrath.com (speaking/keynotes), plus a separate Selling to Big Companies blog. Maintaining all these sites was overwhelming. I want to free up my mental energy for more creative projects.

• Google search: Today "authority" is used to rank websites. Having my high quality content and inbound links spread out over multiple sites was actually making it more difficult  for me to be found online.

Don't worry though. I'm not going out of business. On April 6th, I'm shutting down all my websites except www.JillKonrath.com.  I've already ported everything over there. Plus, I have plans to add even more cool sales resources.

Is there a downside to this? As we say in Minnesota, "You betcha!" I'm walking away from my established identity. I'm giving up a popular website destination with tons of good links. It may hurt for awhile, but I'm willing to deal with the consequences in order to better position myself for the next 5-7 years.

My intent is to have an even bigger impact, helping more salespeople and entrepreneurs be successful. It's what I'm here to do. And, I'm committed to doing it well.