People often think business and PR are all about saying yes – yes to every possible client, every idea, every opportunity for publicity. But we say no all the time. And that’s one of the main reasons our clients trust us.
When do we say no to new business?
We say no to new business if it’s not the right fit. For example, if the client isn’t ethical, isn’t ready for PR, doesn’t respect our expertise, or has unrealistic expectations. We’re not here to put lipstick on a pig or help someone fail faster.
And I’ll be honest – as a founder, that can feel scary. Turning down new business never gets completely comfortable. But if it’s not right, saying yes would cost more in the long run.
Saying no to requests that won’t deliver results
We say no to requests that won’t deliver results, like sending out a media release that isn’t newsworthy or launching something that’s bound to get lost in a busy news cycle. Because saying no to the wrong thing lets us say yes to something better.
That’s how we guarantee results. It’s why journalists know that when we contact them, it’s always worth their time. It’s why our team feels fulfilled, because they know they’re doing excellent work with clients who deserve the spotlight.
And you may be surprised to know that turning down revenue has made us more profitable, because we focus our time and energy on what truly works.
I’d love to know what’s something you’ve said no to that ended up being one of your best decisions? Do you find it difficult to sometimes say no or turn down new business? Have you learned this the hard way?
