7 situations in which to say no to the client

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

a consultant in the field of human analysis, in a guest article talks about why it is still worth saying “no” to the client and in what situations it is simply necessary to do it.

If you are an entrepreneur, author of a creative or commercial project, or intend to become one, the main decision you have to make is to choose your audience.

At the start, it is important to determine the niche of activity and the criteria for potential customers - to whom you apply, for whom you provide your services and products, who you want to see on your list.

Thanks to my practice in the field of consulting, I realized that clients should be chosen deliberately, for their own sake and their own good. Think carefully not only about those to whom I intend to offer my services, but also about those who cannot become my client, subscriber, whom I am ready to refuse, without being tempted by their personal qualities, persistent requests and willingness to generously endow.

Yes, you read it right - not all customers need to say yes. Violating the generally accepted commandment of business, I argue that the client is not always right and not every client is yours. If you choose the easiest way - do not filter clients, as long as they are and pay, I assure you, very soon you will feel, and then you will understand what a heavy burden you have taken on yourself.

There are different situations in which you need to say no.

1. The client insistently demands a guarantee and shifts all responsibility to you

You have to be honest - no one can give 100% guarantees.

Even if you are a popular singer with a professional support team, this does not mean that your song from the new album will be the # 1 hit. Even a high-level expert is incapable of knowing everything and can be wrong. And that's okay. Even for your beloved child, you cannot go through his life path and protect him from mistakes.

2. The client wants something that does not correspond to your capabilities, skills and values

If a client demands from you a magic strategy with a guarantee that it will bring him a million in income in the near future, and you understand that this is unrealistic, then immediately say no to him.

If you run a copywriting blog, teach writing courses, or work as an editor for a publishing house, that doesn't mean you have to write every word of your client's future bestseller. Firstly, this is not your direct responsibility, and secondly, this is not your goal.

If someone hopes that overnight they will turn from Cinderella into a queen of the ball and come with such a request - tell me bluntly that you are not the Fairy Godmother or Harry Potter, and science fiction is not your field of activity.

3. The client has already received help on a specific issue

If you work in the service sector, conduct consultations, then you can calmly say "no" to a person who applies for the same issue and has already received help from you. Don't tie clients to you.

4. The client applies from a third party

When they come and ask to help a husband, wife, children, mom, dad, friend or bring them by the hand, you need to refuse and explain that this is incorrect. You can work only with those who apply themselves, on their own initiative.

5. The client does not comply with ethics, does not respect personal space and rights

Never adapt. Once you feel the energy, capture the client's mood - positive or negative - trust your feelings. Don't say yes when your heart tells you no. If people who turn to you tire you, create physical, emotional and psychological discomfort, learn to refuse.

Somehow one persistent lady sought my favor and wanted to get my support at any time and for any reason. It all started with flattery, turning into endless complaints. I patiently put up, and later, when I refused help, absolutely inadequate claims and revenge on social networks rained down on me.

Were there any prerequisites for this to happen? Of course. But due to my inexperience, I honestly tried to help everyone, without exception, and often did it for free.

Then I began to think - do I need such a client, do I want such people to come to my programs, seminars and poison the whole group with their negative energy? Of course not.

Recall that when you chose a client that was desperate, assertive, panicked, or crushing your pity or empathy, your interactions were just as tense and flawed.

6. The client deprives you of your privacy and free time

All additional work must be paid. But think carefully about whether it's always worth getting 100% involved in work.

The additional load will certainly affect your health, relationships with loved ones. No amount of money, gifts, flattering words addressed to you will be able to compensate for this.

7. The client cannot pay for your services or goods

In business, everything is built on benefits and benefits. Both sides only want this. Therefore, there is no place for lyrical digressions.

If a person cannot or does not want to pay, begins to bargain, offer barter, tries to arouse sympathy or guilt in you, puts you in an uncomfortable position - refuse immediately without any doubts or regrets.

What will it give you?

First, you have free time - the greatest luxury. You will be able to save personal energy, health and money.

Second, you will be able to focus on the customers that match your needs, who you can really help. This will ensure your enjoyment and the income you desire.

How to refuse correctly

Write right now:

1. What qualities should your client, buyer, subscriber, fan possess? Do you suit each other? What is it?

2. What qualities do unwanted customers have? Who will you not interact with under any circumstances?

3. Consider and prepare your opt-out package in advance.

Compose your email, make a copy and save. If necessary, it will be enough for you to enter your full name in it. contacting you and quickly send your answer.

Start your letter with gratitude for the appeal, for the trust, then report the refusal. You can explain or not explain the reason - this is your right. At the end, encourage the applicant, give some recommendations on how he can help himself through your free resources, or advise him to contact other specialists.

Don't be afraid to say no to the argument that this is how you send potential customers into the hands of your competitors. You don't need all customers, followers, fans. You need clients that match your goals, values and real capabilities. This is the only way you can be as useful and successful as possible.