Wouldn’t it be wonderful if clients and businesses agree on all points of a contract so that both come out in a win-win situation? But wishful thinking doesn’t do well in the running of a business. In fact, companies look for ideal clients – those who need their particular products and services, for example. Perhaps there are a good number of clients. Some of them, however, are simply not the type of enterprises that a provider may want to be associated with. For instance, a company that sells alcohol and cigarettes. Admittedly, it may be one of the best paying ones but it may not fit the profile of a provider’s ideal client.
How does a provider say no to a client?
One way is to screen prospective ones to prevent an awkward situation down the road. Doing research on client background is helpful. Using one’s personal interests as barometer for accepting clients is another method. As they say, prevention is better than the cure.
What if the business/client relationship has begun? Finding a way out during an ongoing project can be tricky. The provider must be able to give good reasons for the decision and offer an alternative, if available and possible. On occasion, an honest statement such as “I believe the time has come for us to end our business relationship. I can continue to support you in (number of hours or days) following terms agreed upon in the contract,” may be the best approach. Contracts, usually, include options on ending a relationship. Use it. And speaking of contracts, standards and boundaries must be included. For example, set the tone of the relationship at the consultation stage.
A client who’s a right fit for the business is respectful of the provider’s time. The client communicates their job requirements in a clear and precise manner. Having to say no to a client may be uncomfortable but it trains providers in diplomacy and tact, leaving a neutral air in a relationship that could have gone sour. The successful Gucci family says, “Quality is remembered, long after the price is forgotten.”
Written by Yoli P. – The Help