We're sure you've heard it all, “The customer is always right!” “I know they're going to be trouble, but I really need the business.” “We’re swamped, but I don’t want to turn away business.” These things are not good for your business, your business relationships, and will just stretch you too thin. Are you taking on clients who might be a little hectic? Do you have fellow wedding pros asking you to give well beyond what might be realistic? Or, maybe you're just over-committing! We're here to tell you that saying NO is OK!
Not All Business Is Good Business
We were at an industry conference and heard a planner comment about a sign in their office that said, "It never gets better than the first meeting!" This sign is a healthy reminder that not all business is good business. It follows the thought of a similar comment, “when someone tells you who they are, believe them the first time.” If you have an initial meeting where the potential client talks down to you, undervalues what you do, or you just get that feeling in the pit of your stomach—run!
A simple, “I’m sorry, but I don’t feel that we're a good fit for each other’s communication styles,” will get the point across. We're so afraid of losing business when we start that we'll ignore all the signs and take every piece of business that comes our way. By turning down that one client who'll probably suck the life out of you, you'll have time for two or three other clients who you adore working with and will most likely refer you to other great clients.
Being Part of a Team
Another challenge comes when you have the opportunity to work at that one amazing venue or be part of that incredible wedding team, and you'll do just about anything for it. Sometimes you're asked to kick back a little something, cut your price well below what's reasonable, or even flat out give something for free! Focus your energy on building a relationship with a team that sees you for the value and talent you bring to the table, not just how low you're willing to cut your pricing for their clients.
The Client Isn’t Always Right
It’s their wedding day, and the saying "the client is always right" is ringing in the back of your mind when you're having client meetings. Well, here’s a new mantra for you: "Our clients hire us for our expertise!" Too often, we get caught up in what the client wants—even when our gut feeling tells us it might be in poor taste. Clients come to us for sage advice. Knowing when we, as wedding professionals, need to take back control and say "No!" is enormous.
Preserving Your Sanity
Wedding and event industry professionals tend to be people pleasers. We want to be liked, and we hate saying no to anything. Sometimes overcommitting can be your downfall! While planning many charity events is great exposure, it can keep you from cash business. You have to take some time and weigh your ROI. Look at the team you're a part of, what kind of clientele the event draws in, and whether it matches up with your ideal client profile. The same applies to where you invest your resources. Things like wedding shows and styled shoots can put you over the edge. Ask yourself, "What business might be sacrificed because my attention is divided?" "Who are the other partners in the production?" "Does their vision align with mine?" "What will be the return on investment for me?"
Not all business is good business! Weigh your options and look at the relationships you might develop or reinforce. But, keep in mind, it’s always okay to say "No."
Hero photo courtesy Pura Soul
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