Pro tip 4 reasons to turn down new business

Pro tip 4 reasons to turn down new businessPro tip 4 reasons to turn down new businessAs freelancers, the question Whats next? is constantly echoing in the back of ur minds.The pressure to secure our next client can sometimes be so overwhelming that when opportunity knocks, we pounce at it without stopping to consider if its actually something that makes sense for our independent businesses. Sometimes, we need to say no.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraIn todays Pro Tip, Im sharing the red flags to look out for and four reasons to turn down new business.Not Your ExpertiseThis is the number one reason why I turn down new business, and it wasnt a lesson easily learned. While public relations is the overarching field I freelance in, I specialize in the video games and eSports industries. This is my bread and butter where I am consistently staying up-to-date on news, decision makers, and have an arsenal of contacts.When a guitar company recently reached out seeking PR guidance for their upcoming launch, I knew I wasnt the best person to help them. Sure, I could have gone through the steps, but I also knew that even my best effort would have delivered C+ results. This is a completely foreign field to me- and thats just leid something Im comfortable with (and you shouldnt be either).The only reason to take on new client work in a field you dont specialize in is if it is a field you are wanting to work in more. I knew that the guitar brand opportunity would be a one-time gig and wasnt the best use of my (or the clients) time. I also never want to give a brand a reason to have a poor opinion of me or my work and have found that I gain greater respect from people when I admit to not being the best person for the opportunity. Instead, I listen to their needs and recommend any leads I may have for someone who is a better fit.If youre ever in a similar situation, use t his as an opportunity to share the kind of work you are better suited for so they can recommend you in the future when the right occasion comes about.Overloaded SOWEver been on a new business call with a potential client and feel your spidey senses go off because theres just no way one person could possibly complete all of this work? Listen to themDont let a clients unrealistic expectations create doubt in your mind for what you should be capable of. For example, if theyre looking for a multi-tiered launch program that covers public relations for three countries, social media management, and a content program to support it and its all coming out of your SOW- thats a big no. However, if they want you to recruit and manage an agency to execute the strategy you create to support these verticals- thats a different story.Dont be afraid to ask detailed questions and even call out concerns about workload. I always try to offer solutions, like the agency scenario, when the scope of work is just too demanding for one person alone.Easy WorkThere are two big problems that come with taking on easy work one, it takes up a considerate amount of your time two, it doesnt progress you forward. If you continue to do work that doesnt challenge you, youre doing yourself a huge disservice. In freelancing, we have to hold ourselves accountable and set our own milestones to keep advancing in a forward direction. We have to learn new tricks of the trade and become skilled in the latest technology and social media platforms. If you keep doing the same things, you will ultimately become dispensable, and that is the one thing we all want to avoid.If youve been working with a client on work that isnt helping you advance and are afraid of losing them, dont be. Identify areas where you can offer more and schedule a time to present your ideas to them.Unnecessary NegotiationsYouve determined your rate and shared it with your potential client, and they instantly try to negotiate. Red flag You r rate is your rate for a reason. If the client shares their budget and its lower than you would usually work for, express that and share where youre willing (if anywhere) to compromise. However, if the client pushes for you to share your rate before sharing their budget, only to shoot you down and go in for a low ball price- these are unnecessary negotiations. You want to work with clients who understand the value of your time and also respect the risk youre equally taking by choosing to work with them.While it may feel impossible to turn down work as a freelancer, its important to understand the necessity of taking on opportunities that progress you and your business forward, because forward is the only direction your independent journey should take you.This article first appeared on Create + Cultivate.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people