Lessons: Instead of No

It's difficult to say the word, "no" to potential clients.   It's nearly impossible to do that during a time of economic hardship.

Truly, I've made hundreds of mistakes by turning down business.  I know I have closed many doors.  And I'm not surprised that I've offended excited brides and grooms when I simply told them that I'm not available.  I deserve all the criticisms for doing these things and yet sometimes I have to say no.

But I'm starting to realize that the way I deliver a "no" can turn it into a positive.  Of course there is the "no" as in never again, not possible, etc. And there are those alarming red flags that will tell you that somethings aren't meant to be so you "gracious" decline. ( Don't ignore that! )  But there is a different "no" when what you mean is some parts of the request you cannot do but others you might be able to do.

This week, I could have said no to a client who simply asked me if I could do their wedding at xxxx budget.  Given that I was preoccupied this week with WFA(wedding floral academy), my initial impulse was to write a quick note to tell the client that I could not take on the project but then I gave it some thought.

What if I didn't just say, "no thank you" as I have done many many times in the past.  This time I wrote the client a long note explaining areas in which I could help, others I couldn't, and engaged the client in a health dialogue never saying flat out that I couldn't do it but more importantly that if I were to do it within a tight budget, I would have to compromise on a few of the "must haves".  

The end result was that we decided to roll the dice.  I am taking a chance on her.  And she is taking a chance on NLCD.  It might not work out but I haven't changed my marketing or business strategy for this.  I'm sticking to the course but giving the client a chance to see what NLCD can do.  Through educating the client, it's become a more active process.

To be honest, I'm very hopeful.  Because a client willing to take the journey with me is already "involved" and flexible.  As a small business owner, I find that this is indeed a "smart" market future where those willing to make an effort to understand business needs and concepts will get the customization, attention and the creative solutions that they deserve.

Bottom line:  Don't give up too soon.  Turn a No into a Maybe.