When It Just Doesn’t Feel Right…

I received an email from someone inquiring about  my services.  There was something about the email that was too direct – too little information – to make me feel comfortable.  I called and got voice mail so I left a message and we played phone tag.  When we finally connected, I did not have a good feeling about him at all.  From the first email there was no attempt to build a relationship, establish a connection or further a discussion.  Looking at the company’s website, it gave the same impression.  Lots of ways to communicate via the web and email, but very little to invite a relationship or establish a connection with people.  I got the sense that candidates are numbers and clients are just a little better than that.  Since this isn’t my type of customer, I didn’t pursue the conversation or try to solidify the deal.  He determined we weren’t a good fit and we went our separate ways.

As a small business owner, walking away from potential business is tough.  There’s always the “what if” game going on in your head.  In the past I have had prospects who worried me regarding follow through or payment and addressed those issues in the proposal (which turned out very well).  But this one just didn’t feel right.  I wasn’t convinced I would enjoy working with this individual nor would I provide him the kind of service he needed – he just wouldn’t get what I was talking about.   So I walked away as professionally as I knew how.

It is very tough to recognize that not everyone is right for one’s services.  But there are some needs that aren’t a fit.  When it doesn’t feel right, the best thing to do is to move on – it is a better solution for both parties.  So don’t be afraid to walk away if it doesn’t feel right.  And if you need someone to tell you that again, give me a call.  I know this is tough!