When YES Should Be NO, maybe?

        

When YES Should Be NO, maybe?

                         

Does anyone, ever want to say "no" to a Client?

"Can you have this done first thing?"  Yes!

 "Can you cut your fees?"  Yes!

"Can you shorten the deadline?"  Yes!

"Can you lick your elbow?"  Yes!

A knee jerk reaction maybe to say Yes!; when your gut is screaming Nnnoooooooo.......

Always saying Yes because it's what someone wants to hear, or to be the "yes" guy or gal, may not always be what's best for the project, the team or even the person asking you to say yes.

A successful venture relies on the agreement being beneficial to both parties.  If saying yes puts you in a position of over promising or undermining your position, the pact is no longer mutual which is negative for any relationship or project.                         

If you can't do what's asked, offer what you can within reason: 

"Can you have this done first thing?" - "We can get this to you by lunch."

If it's out earlier, you're a hero and you've given yourself a little breathing room to accomplish what has been requested of you.

"Can you cut your fees?" - "We'd be happy to review our fees and scope of services with your team."

Without giving a definitive answer on the spot, you've created an opportunity to address the issue pulling at your gut; that reducing the fee may result in a reduction of services.

"Can you shorten the deadline?" -  "We can highlight items on the schedule that cannot be moved and review the items you may opt to change, omit or pay expediting costs for."

Making silent sacrifices to be the yes person, causes resentment & stress.  

Engage your clients to be part of the solution they need.  Keep the team, yourself and the project balanced. 

"Can you lick your elbow?" - "Let's discuss this with the team at Happy Hour!"

Take work seriously and yourself, NOT!!

Happy Building!