Why You Need to Say "No" to Some Projects

Service providers and freelancers often feel under pressure to offer their services to anyone who requests them. But sometimes the best answer is no.

Businesses have unique needs, and every clients has a unique personality. Projects deserve the best "fit" for them.

If you're ever tried to put a square peg in a round hole, make the wrong tool work for a job, or go with a "quick fix" instead of the best repair, then you know that it rarely works well. It may fall apart immediately. Or it may work okay for a while before it fails. But it never works out as well as the right peg, tool, or repair would have.

Think of yourself as a "cog" in your potential clients business. Can you do the job/function they're looking for? Probably. But are you the right "cog" for the project?

If you aren't, the project will be stressful and probably not turn out well. Not only are you doing yourself a disservice by placing you in the wrong project, but you're also doing your client a disservice because they deserve the best fitting "cog."

How can you tell you're not right for the project? Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- personalities don't mesh well
- it's not in your niche or a niche you're interested in expanding into
- you don't feel any excitement about the project
- there's an odd, unsettling feeling when you consider accepting the project
- your experience isn't a good match
- it's not related to one of your areas of strength
- it's a bad time for you to take a new project
- you know someone in your network who is a better fit

Get honest with yourself and be honest with the potential client. Say no firmly and clearly when the project isn't a good fit for you, explain if appropriate, then refer the client to someone you know who's a better fit.

You'll find this brings you a sense of relief as you stay in integrity with yourself, and your clients will respect you for your honesty.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

And now, let me give you access to some great free resources for small businesses including 101 Free/Cheap Ways to Market Your Business, 119 Things You Can Outsource, and more at www.michelleshaeffer.com

Michelle Shaeffer has been a work at home mom for more than 10 years and loves to share the tips and strategies she's learned to help other home based business owners balance, manage, and market their businesses.

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