Let’s talk about how to say “bye” to bad fits. (Also, Happy Valentine’s Day he says for no reason…)
Monday we talked about being so desperate that you will sign anyone & why that will kill your business.
Tuesday we talked about how to identify when you’re talking with someone who you should not do business with.
Today I’m going to answer the same question that I got in reply to yesterday’s post:
“How do you gracefully say no to these types of people? I’ve always struggled with that.”
~concerned reader
Great question.
Here’s my approach.
I usually want to cut things off sooner rather than later. Hopefully I can figure out that this person / project / company is not a good fit before we’re too far into the first conversation.
It’s usually around the 20 minute mark when I already know that we’re not good.
This is before I’ve had a chance to talk myself up, pitch my company / services, etc.
Up until this point I’ve been asking them lots of questions (and their answers tell me to bail out immediately).
So I do this: I sum up their situation that they’ve explained. This way they know for sure that I’m clear about everything. I’m not confused.
And then I say something along the lines of:
“Based on all that, I’m not going to be the best fit for you. You need [something that I’m not or don’t provide], so I’m going to recommend a [friend / foe] that I [love / hate] who needs to hear from you. I think that’ll be the best way for you to get this all figured out! Thanks for chatting with me; it was great to get to know you a bit.”
~Jonathan, the heartbreaker
And that’s it!
Sure, there’s more to it than this, and if you’re interested in knowing more about how I navigate bad fits, red flag leads, etc, then you’re going to love my upcoming book code-named “The Sales Book.”
If you want early access to new chapters as they’re written, get to ask questions about your own situations, and get answers from me directly then hit reply and let me know. If enough people are interested, I might build out a “founding reader” thing where you can ‘buy’ the book early / get your name in the final print version / whatever other goodies I can think of.
OR you can take the video course right now. It’s 5 hours dedicated to explaining my mentalist-powered sales system that helps companies close millions of dollars in new business in less time with less frustration. Highly recommended!
Best thoughts,
~Jonathan Pritchard