When You Should Say No - 3 Reasons to Fire a Customer

Jan recently sent out a question to the LinkedIn crowd, asking when it’s okay, or even necessary, to say no to a client or prospect. He got a good response, too.

(Side lesson: ask good questions, get thoughtful answers.)

A quick cross-section of answers from an extraordinary group of individuals follows (but read the thread to see who said what and to get everyone’s full explanations).

After reading all the replies, we thought we’d highlight the most compelling.

3 Reasons to Fire Your Customer

It’s OK to say no to a client:

1. When You Would Be Comprising Legal & Ethical Standards

Douglas Marlow said: “It’s okay to say no in a situation where you may be breaking the law, taking a bribe, paying a bribe, compromising your own morals or religious beliefs, or where it will embarrass or hurt the feelings of another.”

2. When You Would Be Compromising Quality Standards

Kelly Karius said: “When time doesn’t permit for you to do a proper job for them.” We thought this was a tremendous addition to the conversation. It was echoed by Len Mastrapa, who said: “When he/she requests from you what you know right off the bat you cannot & will not deliver…”
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