The Art of Saying No in Contracting
Manage episode 495672534 series 3385001
Contractors often accept every job that comes their way, leading to poor customer experiences and damaged reputations. We explore strategies for wisely selecting projects and communicating effectively with clients to protect your business.
• Understand the "Fruit Bowl Metaphor" – taking on too many jobs without capacity to service them leads to spoilage
• Frame declinations around customer benefit rather than your convenience
• Two types of "no" in contracting: jobs outside your expertise and capacity limitations
• Proper messaging: "I'd rather say no and lose money than say yes and give you a bad experience"
• Use desk estimates for initial client screening to save time and set expectations
• Schedule two time blocks for every estimate: site visit and writing/presenting the proposal
• Proactive communication preserves client goodwill even when you can't take a job immediately
If you want help implementing these strategies in your business, visit prostruct360.com. The contact page has a calendar link to schedule a free 30-minute conversation about your company.
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Chapters
1. Introduction to Contractor Cuts (00:00:00)
2. The Fruit Bowl Metaphor (00:01:26)
3. How to Say No Effectively (00:06:25)
4. Handling Difficult Clients (00:13:07)
5. Desk Estimates and Schedule Management (00:18:37)
6. Scheduling and Closing Thoughts (00:27:07)
153 episodes