Just Say ‘No’ to Your Clients

Entrepreneurs have the tendency to be needy, often shouting out “I can do that!” to every offer that comes their way. But if you’re willing to say no then you’ll find that you have a much more targeted audience, can charge higher rates and demand more respect. Here are 3 ways to ‘just say no’ and why you need to get in the practice.

Just Say No to doing everything

Tell me, when was the last time you went to Sears for an engagement ring. Or toaster. Or shoes. Or a tractor. That’s the problem with the one stop shop – we’re moving into an economy of specialists. Because we’d much rather buy diamonds from the diamond expert, shoes from the shoe expert.

Your business is no different, if you do it “all” then it dilutes your message and makes you look desperate. Few people know that the rest of the phrase “jack of all trades” is “master of none.” Would you want to spend good money with someone who hasn’t mastered what you’re asking them to do?

Instead focus on what you do best and can deliver better than your competitors!

Just say No to changing your programs to fit every need

It takes a lot of time and experience to create the packages and programs that serve your ideal client best. So why do entrepreneurs allow non-ideal clients to come along and change everything at a whim? This could be a simple request like changing the price or payment options or more structural changes such as adding or removing features or extending a 2 month program over 6 months.

You need to be willing to stand up for your business and act as the expert. For one, your clients are hiring you for your expertise and clients who try to run the show don’t respect your experience.

Further, when you begin making exceptions it’s much harder to create a system to provide a consistent program to your clients. It’s also more difficult to explain your service when there are potential hundreds of permutations and options. You’ll come across as more confident and secure when you clearly share how others can work with you. And when they attempt to add on services you don’t provide or remove elements you know they need, you stand your ground.

This will also enable you to make more money, both because you have a clear picture of your packages and don’t waste time doing custom work and because you have a system for working with clients that works. Many times those custom jobs suck up much more time and energy, leaving you less available to work with other clients.

*Just say No By saying “I don’t know.”

Entrepreneurs love being able to solve problems for others but there comes a time when it’s necessary to say, “I don’t know” and “but I will find out.”

Clients don’t need know-it-all coaches, assistants or team members. Most of all they need honest ones who are willing to do the work that’s required including research. If you lie and say “oh sure” but have no idea what is going on then the truth will come out eventually and you’ll lose the hard earned respect of your clients.

Sometimes this comes up even more subtly when you’re asked, “do you know this guru?” or “have you seen the opt-in form on that site?” Be honest and stay in integrity. Say no if you have no idea what they’re talking about and be willing to learn something new.

Entrepreneurs have a pervasive fear of looking stupid but you don’t resolve that concern by lying and pretending to know things you don’t.

The best part is that when you say no it doesn’t make you appear stupid or stubborn or uninformed. When done in integrity and the right attitude, instead of pushing away clients, the willingness to be honest about what you do and where your expertise lie will actually attract the right clients to your practice.