Working as a Free Agent since November 19, 2010 (a day I will never forget), I have projects that cross my path that I know are a 
perfect fit:
- My skills match the needs of the client
- We have a good rapport
- They “get it”
Then there are those projects that I’m approached with that make me hesitate:
- My skills don’t quite match their needs (this is when I reach out to my network of Free Agents for collaboration)
- The Client and I do not have a good rapport (this is going to be challenging – I usually weigh the cost vs. benefit)
- They don’t “get it” (I oftentimes turn down these projects)
Then there are those times where I’m asked to provide what I know is a short-term solution to a long-term need. This is where my ethics kick in and where I usually turn down a project. I’m speaking primarily about social media at this juncture. If I provide social media services for a client for a month (coaching or community management), or if they want 2 hours of Facebook coaching – where will this leave them in the long-run? If they’re not satisfied with their business growth after our interaction, this could potentially hurt my business in the long-run. Word of Mouth is pretty powerful.
What are your thoughts? Do you take on all projects you are presented with? Do you pitch to clients who you know won’t be a good fit because you’re in a slump? Have you ever turned down business?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Being a fairly new business owner, I have been going through a very similar thought process. At first I thought I needed to accept any and all clients that knocked on my door. Now though I am realizing, that will not create the best environment for my business to thrive in.
Just last week I turned down a potential client, for the first time. It was not an easy thing to do, but I know it was the best thing to do. I referred that potential client to a collegue that I know would be a better fit.
The potential client thanked me for being honest and upfront with her. She also asked more detail about my business so if she knew of a potential client that would be a good fit for me she could refer them on! I believe that is a win-win situation!
Hey, Elizabeth…way to go – I’m sure that won’t be the first time you refer potential clients on to someone who can better fit their needs – kudos to you for being able to identify that!