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Turning Down Business: Knowing When to Say “No” to Your Business Clients

by Bridget Wright on December 29th, 2007

Do you know when it’s time to say “no” to clients business? Is that crazy or what? Saying no to business sounds like a bad idea, especially for a new freelancer or someone who is in decision making in marketing or sales. But, there are times when you should say no, especially when or if it compromises your personal life or if it interferes heavily in your business life. Here are reasons why it’s sometimes ok to sayno thank you:

1. The client is asking you to do WAY more than what they’re paying you for or that you feel comfortable doing. One example of this is when I ghost-blogged for a small business site. I started off by making $5 per post, twice a week with a promise of increase in blog posts. But, the client started asking me, and without offering additional pay, to handle the administrative side of the blog.

2. The client asks you to do something illegal, such as turn in incorrect invoices (padding the bill). This is usually when there will be some ‘creative tinkling’ done on their taxes. Don’t be a part of it.

3. They client doesn’t respect your office hours, even after you’ve stated it to them dozens of times. This happens quite frequently with new entrepreneurs when their clients expect them to be hungry enough to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Whatever you decide to do, always do your homework first, and then proceed with caution. It’s really ok to say no.

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POSTED IN: Business Advice, Communication, Professional Development, Self-Employment & Entrepreneurship, Your Professional Image