Reasons to Turn Down a Potential Client

Red flags to look for and the perks of turning down work.

As a small business owner, I love when new clients find me and are excited to work together!

Unfortunately, I am also familiar with the feeling that comes when I’ve taken on work with clients who weren’t the right fit for me. *Gasp!* “You’re not itching for every single person to want to work with you, Emma?” Nope, I’m not, and here’s why (I have good reasons, I promise). If you’re a small business owner, read on to learn three reasons you might consider turning down a potential client and the perks of doing so!

1) Unprofessional Communication

This one may or may not bother some people, but I find when my clients don’t take communication with me seriously, their projects take a lot longer, involve many frustrated nights, and they aren’t satisfied as easily either because the communication isn’t there!

When clients say, “I don’t know what I want, you know best and can do whatever” or "I'll know it's right when I see it," we experience long delays in feedback, missing deadlines, and asking for changes long after subtasks are completed. Clear and professional communication from both of us ensures respect for both of our time and the process as well.

2) Bending Over Backwards + Mental Cartwheels for Clients

As a business owner, I always aim to meet and exceed my clients expectations and accommodate their needs. There comes a point, however, when that flexibility has me wrapped like a pretzel trying my best to keep a client interested, invested, or committed. Believe it or not, there are people in this world who take advantage of flexible business owners.

If you are feeling twisted and turned in all different directions for a client, keep an eye on what “extra” services you’re providing in an attempt to keep a customer satisfied. Throwing in the bonus service just because is something you should do if you’re in the giving spirit, not because your arm is being twisted to do so in order to keep your client committed to the project.

Part of how I avoid this is through contracts with my clients that clearly state my boundaries and expectations for my clients, included services, etc; contracts allow me to have professional boundaries and avoid being walked all over by those rare clients. To read more about why I love contracts in my business, check out this blog post!

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3) Cost > Value

When potential clients care more about the cost and can’t see the value behind the dollar signs, that’s a warning flag to me that we might not be a good collaborative fit. Some people are bargain hunters and price shoppers who care more about the price tag than the quality of the work. Don’t get me wrong, I love me a good deal just as much as the next gal, but I also recognize the heart and soul and time that goes into a small business and can understand why the pricing reflects a higher number as a result of that. I also am aware that my prices are not for everyone, but I also offer an experience that goes beyond what a lot of new business owners might expect or be looking for.

It’s so difficult to have a good experience with a client who is not invested in YOU and your unique offering, but rather want the cheapest/fastest/easiest product at the same quality you do for full price. Honestly, these are the hardest people to work with! If you’re hearing messages like “Can you do it for cheaper?” or “I have a friend who does the exact same thing for half the price,” that’s a good sign they aren’t the right client for you and your business.

Now, there really are perks to turning down work with the wrong clients!

Your valuable time isn’t spent on clients who are not devoted to the projects.
You will save your resources and mental energy for your ideal clients.
It opens space in your calendar for those dream clients.
Doing work you love will attract your ideal clients when they view your portfolio

It shows respect for you and that client – they can find someone that’s a better fit for them and their needs.
You are reinforcing your value; work with clients who value your offerings and your time!

I hope you never have to turn down a client for any of the three red flags I mentioned above! But if you do, know that you’re doing the best thing for you, your business, and your future clients who will love to work with you down the road. Boundaries in what types of clients you do take on will allow you to be truly creative in your passions and create memorable experiences with those clients who remind you why you went into business in the first place.

For more small business tips, check out our other branding blog posts!