“No.”

You would think that two simple letters would be much easier to say, but when it comes to saying that one small word to potential clients, it can be HARD.

*Believe me, I’ve been there, too!* 

As a photographer, I made the mistake of taking on clients simply because I needed the work or because I didn’t know how to say “no”.

I finally reached a breaking point and realized something: 

>>Life is too short to work with people who aren’t a good fit for you.<<

I realize it’s tempting to think that we should say “yes” to everything thrown our way, but not all opportunities are created equal… and you’re the only person who’ll advocate for your business. 

When I started implementing my “if it ain’t a hell yes, it’s a hell no” policy, it wasn’t about the money anymore. *It was for the sake of my time and sanity!*

You don’t need to say “yes” to every client, contract, or opportunity!

I’m here to help you learn from my mistakes, so you can avoid those miserable feelings I experienced one too many times. 

Here are two ways that you can say NO without feeling guilty.

Tell It To Them Straight

My favorite way to say “no” with dignity and grace is with the classic phrase, “It’s not you, it’s me.” 

For example, here’s what I would say to a potential photography client upon realizing that we wouldn’t be a good fit after having a meeting:

“I don’t think that I am going to be the photographer to document your special day in the way that you desire.”

>>You can also go the extra mile and suggest other options for them to explore, such as a professional referral.<<

*And yes friend, honesty works in every industry!*

Give Yourself A Backdoor Option

When I was just starting out in my business, telling someone “no” right off the bat and letting them find another option was the route I took. 

But as my business grew and I began to offer premium services, my market changed to more luxury clients. I needed to provide more of a solution along with my “no” to prevent burning any bridges in such a small market.

It became standard protocol to tell potential clients that date-specific events would have to be approved to ensure another client wasn’t going to book for the same day. 

Leaving this backdoor option open gave me time to process my thoughts and decide whether or not I wanted to take this client.

If I decided not to, I wouldn’t be blindsiding them because I had told them from the beginning that it might not work.

>>Also, I provided at least three other recommendations for them to check out, so I wasn’t leaving them high and dry.<<

*Cushion the blow, ya know what I mean?*  

Friend, I hope this video helps you say “no”.

• Say no to clients who disrespect your time.
• Say no to contracts that don’t value your worth.
• Say no to opportunities that leave you feeling depleted instead of excited.

>>By saying “no”, you’ll open your schedule and life to “yes” when the right thing comes your way.<<

Know your worth… then add tax!

Want to make sure you are attracting the *right* people to your business? I have the perfect resource for you, friend! My Ideal Client Workbook is just the thing you need to dial in your ideal client and start attracting people you love to serve! Download it >>HERE<< and start saying “yes” today!