Brief Summary
Marie Forleo addresses a question from Alexandra about how to decline client requests that are unfeasible due to resource constraints, cost issues, or low ROI. She provides a script with five different ways to say no while maintaining a positive client relationship, emphasizing the importance of clarity and honesty in communication. The key is to focus on what you can do, offer referrals when appropriate, and ensure your fee structure aligns with the project's demands.
- Saying no to clients can be difficult but is necessary when requests are unfeasible.
- A script is provided to decline requests in a classy and kind manner.
- It's important to be clear about whether you want to do the project before responding.
Introduction
Marie Forleo introduces the Q&A Tuesday video, where she addresses a question from Alexandra about how to decline client requests that are unfeasible due to resource constraints, cost issues, or low ROI. Alexandra seeks advice on how to say no to a client without disappointing them.
The Go-To Script for Saying No
Marie Forleo presents a script to help people decline client requests in a classy and kind manner. The script begins with acknowledging the client's value, followed by a clear "no" and a specific reason why. She then provides five different ways to complete the script, depending on the situation.
Five Ways to Say No
Marie Forleo details five different ways to complete the "I'm going to have to say no because..." part of the script:
- Lack of Expertise: Decline due to the project falling outside your expertise, and offer referrals to someone who specializes in that area.
- Insufficient Resources: Decline due to lacking the resources to deliver what the client needs, but offer alternative solutions that you can provide.
- Full Client Load: Decline because your client load is full, preventing you from giving the project the necessary attention.
- Skills Mismatch: Decline because your skills aren't a good match for what the client wants on the project.
- Fee Structure Issues: Decline because your current fee structure would result in financial loss, suggesting a renegotiation of the fee agreement if they want you on the project.
Important Considerations Before Responding
Marie Forleo emphasizes the importance of being clear about whether you actually want to do the project before responding. Sometimes, you may want to do it but need more money, while other times, you simply want to decline. Ensuring clarity and honesty in your communication is crucial.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Marie Forleo concludes by thanking Alexandra for her question and encourages viewers to share their own classy and kind ways to say no in the comments. She also promotes liking, sharing, and subscribing to Marie TV for more content.
