(Image via Daniel Lobo)
That’s a great question.
It’s funny because when we meet new clients, it’s always about trying to get them to say, “yes” but sometimes we meet someone that just isn’t right for us.
Before you say no, I want you to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I really understand what the clients wants? First impressions can be deceiving. Some clients might not be good at communicating what they want, or maybe they’re nervous or too shy to open up. Make sure you know what you’re turning down before you turn it down.
- WHY do I want to say no? Examine your instincts. Do you want to say no because personalities don’t match or because you’re scared or worried you’re not good enough for the job? If you take this extra step to think about your role in this, you might see that you want to run away because it seems daunting. And maybe, what you really need to do is step up to the challenge.
- Am I saying no because the budgets don’t match my price? Sometimes we have to say no because a client can’t afford us. This goes back to my first point. Make sure you understand what your client really wants. They might have unrealistic expectations of what things cost. If you sit them down and talk about each aspect line by line, they may be willing to up their budget. (It doesn’t hurt to try, right?)
- Last, do I have someone else I can recommend to this client? You want to make sure your prospective client doesn’t leave your office empty handed. This is a great way to maintain good relationships with others in the industry, and help your client find someone right for them.
After you’ve asked yourself these questions, if things still point to “no,” make sure you approach your client as gently and professionally as possible. No one likes being rejected.
As I mentioned above, it will help to have someone to recommend to them. This will soften the blow and keep them moving forward on their search.
What was the hardest client you ever said, “No” too? Why did you have to say no? How did they react?
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Meaghan Schmaltz
March 8, 2011
Great post! I had to say “no” to a client I met earlier this year for major personality conflicts. I was so nervous. Thankfully a colleague gave me your advice – pass them on to someone they will match with. I slept well that night.
Clare Baukham
March 8, 2011
I had a client that wanted everything and wanted to pay next to nothing. I had to eventually tell her that I thought so and so florist could accomodate her much better for what she was looking for. It’s tough because you don’t want to make it seem like you are not capable of the job and you don’t want to insult them by saying “hey you’re cheap and I’m not doing this because I’m not a charity”. IT went well the way I handled it.
Doyin
March 8, 2011
I had to say no to a client who wanted to spend $2000 on her entire wedding. I adviced her on the costs of the type of wedding which she wanted and turned her down in a nice way.
Melonie Karl
March 9, 2011
I had to say no to a client who wanted to spend $1500 on a wedding for 100 persons. I tried showing her the cost breakdown but she just got a nasty attitude and stormed out of our meeting. She later hired another planner who quit a few months before the wedding.
PH
March 9, 2011
Great post!!! I am starting to learn to say NO to clients that i feel are not right for me and usually I just use my instinct…. but after reading this post, it gives me a better general guideline of what to lookout for. Thank you Preston!
Maureen
March 9, 2011
Thanks so much for your thoughtful post, Preston! I look forward to your blog every day.
I have learned the hard way to say “no” if my gut/Creator/God is really telling me to at the first meeting.
Two time I could “sense” that we were really not a good fit. I told them this in the first meeting, and even gave my friend/competitor’s card. But they talked me into still taking a second meeting.
I regretted it all the way…
One the bride was wonderful but the family was VERY adversarial and treated every little detail like a negotiation – trying to squeeze out the last penny. Said they were there to “protect” the bride. It was sooo insulting. I did end up quitting prior to a deposit being placed, thank God.
The second one – after a deposit was already placed the mom brought swatches of ribbon to hold up to the petals of the roses, and thought half the roses in the bunch matched ok, but the other half had too much peach in them. sigh.
So now I follow my instincts/God/Creator. It really is a spiritual journey and we learn the hard way sometimes ha ha
jacin {lovely little details}
March 14, 2011
such great advice, i have had to turn down a few clients in the past and although it is a hard move to make, it is the right move in the long run.
Nichelle
March 14, 2011
How do you go about charging coordination fees? Especially for events that are non-profit.