Comments on: Getting Past Your Own No

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 31 May 2013 15:14:17 +0000

"We don't need to justify our bottom line, but we owe it to ourselves to have one."

Amen, Cathy Miller. That's the quote of the week. :)

Jake, I think I've had no troubles with no lately, either. It's never pleasant, but it becomes easier with practice. And you're right -- hauling fish guts in your car IS seriously disgusting!

Nikki, you outgrew him. That's sad, but it happens. He has the choice now -- either pay you what your new rates are or try to find someone as good as you are. Luckily, you're one of a kind. :) I bet he comes back and tries to negotiate that rate.

By: Nichole

Nichole — Thu, 30 May 2013 21:53:41 +0000

Ahhh... I just had to do this; let a client go. It was a really hard decision because who wants to turn down income?

It was a client I hadn't worked with in about 5 years too. At first I was honored that he came back to me but after hearing the scope of the project, I had to tell him goodbye. He wasn't budging on 2008 rates and I wasn't about to cut my bottom line down to an unlivable wage just to keep him. I was polite but firm, I even tried a compromise ("Gee thanks for thinking of me for this project! For you I can do it for X/hr instead of my current X/hr rate.") but he refused to meet me in the middle.

I was sad about it for about a day and even felt guilty! Then I realized that I needed to be good with the decision because I knew I'd hate myself for taking such a low budget job when I knew I could be leaving the door open for better paying and more satisfying opportunities.

By: Jake Poinier

Jake Poinier — Thu, 30 May 2013 19:55:48 +0000

I have to say, of all the Phoenix city services, trash collection is pretty good & responsive. In my MA hometown, we had to pack the Wagoneer with bags and take them across town to the transfer station -- which was seriously disgusting duty during bluefish season!

As far as saying no, I've gotten far more comfortable with it over the years. Any or all of your tactics will work; I have no patience for people who insist that something is a "great opportunity" if it doesn't fit my business in scope, content, or pay rate.

Glad you're feeling better, kiddo.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Thu, 30 May 2013 16:49:53 +0000

Paula's right. Staying professional and objective is key. That's tough to do when you're talking money. It seems so personal.

I give myself the pep talk about it being business. I see if there is room for compromise (e.g., narrowing the scope of services), but I do not compromise on my bottom line.

We don't need to justify our bottom line, but we owe it to ourselves to have one.

P.S. So glad to hear you're feeling better, Lori.

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 30 May 2013 16:44:59 +0000

No contract, but they act like we're their personal servants — not the other way around.

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 30 May 2013 15:13:23 +0000

You have to contract for your own trash removal? Here the city negotiates the deals and we're stuck with whatever company they choose.

Twice within six months the collector managed to rip the rim off my trash can. That's two cans that no longer fit (much less hold) their lids. When I called, they said they only replace cans that have been run over by their trucks. I've since learned to complain to the company and to the city. The city can pressure them more than individual homeowners can. Boy, does that clear problems up fast!

As for saying "no" to clients, I try to keep it as professional and objective as possible. It only gets ugly when people take rejection personally. So when I'm told no, I remind myself that it's nothing personal.