Comments on: Is turning down work actually helpful?

By: Susan Fuller

Susan Fuller — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:06:52 +0000

I often turn people away. If they're not ready, they're not ready and I'm not willing to take their
money if what I offer isn't going to serve them well.

Sometimes I even send them off with homework. Some come back, some don't, but the people I do work for really need what I have to offer.
.-= Susan Fuller´s last blog ..The limitations of online market research =-.

By: Susan Fuller

Susan Fuller — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:00:40 +0000

I often turn people away. If they’re not ready, they’re not ready and I’m not willing to take their
money if what I offer isn’t going to serve them well.

Sometimes I even send them off with homework. Some come back, some don’t, but the people I do work for really need what I have to offer.
.-= Susan Fuller´s last blog ..The limitations of online market research =-.

By: Marie

Marie — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:27:24 +0000

Besides being the right thing to do, I often find that turning down work when what we offer isn’t the right thing saves us a miserable experience.

If what you’re offering isn’t right for the customer-y client, if you try to make it work, it’s square pegging into a round hole.

By: Sarah Bray

Sarah Bray — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:27:10 +0000

I JUST did this and have been thinking about it for a while. Are you in my head or something, Sparky? If so, stay as long as you like. :)

By: jaydub

jaydub — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:07:07 +0000

Having someone offer an honest, well-reasoned opinion based on their professional experience is actually a valuable and all-too-rare occurrence.

I often ask clients why they want some particular thing. If it’s simply because “this other guy has one,” then the conversation moves back to their long-range goals, true needs, vision and strategy.

You’re actually strengthening your trust base with your clients when you advise them against something – it shows that you’re not simply about moving another widget. And they’ll come back next time.