
I recently learned a hard lesson of expending time on a potential client who did not respect my time.
Here are my takeaways:
📣 No one ever purposely goes out of their way to disrespect your time but it doesn’t mean they don’t. Even the best people sometimes do it unintentionally.
📣 Never give away any valuable insights or suggestions before signing the dotted line. No mockups, no roadmaps, no suggested action plans. People have no reason to buy your milk when you have given away the cow.
📣 Operate on the assumption that a client will never be a friend. You can be friendly and congenial, but at the end of the day when it comes to budget, you are a tool in their kit and your only duty is do an awesome kick-ass job and get compensated fairly.
📣 Give a deadline when to confirm. It is a professional courtesy to inform the other party when you will walk away. This move is not a threat or a bait, but it provides the necessary clarity to help the other party make an informed decision.
📣 Call it out. When you have done everything you can to get a confirmation and the other party is still being wishy-washy and unresponsive. Call it out and let them know you do not accept such behavior. Be clear, concise and courteous. Manner always matters.
📣 Walk away a lady or gentleman. Be genuine and sincere when wishing them all the best. You might never work with this particular person again, but you might still have a chance to work the organization in the future.
Bottom line: No one can waste your time unless you permit it. Time is your most valuable asset because it is the only asset you can never increase or replenish.
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