Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

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July 1, 2009

Saying No With Authenticity … When No Becomes Yes Unexpectedly

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:48 am

Don’t Agree to What You Can’t Do

On Monday while waiting at DFW, I got a back channel message from @LisaDJenkins saying that a friend and potential client had asked for social media help in an area that “wasn’t her thing.” The message said, “Could I recommend you?” I checked it over, saw a nice fit, and said yes.

A relationship started … I haven’t met the client yet, but I’ve gotten to know Lisa pretty well. I wanted to know more about her and what she was doing. Her follow up email and the recommendation she sent her friend were well-written and compelling. A good turn on her part become more than that. Lisa tells the story better than I do.

On the other hand, once I had a conversation with a potential client that became a negotiation via email. We discussed a project in detail. It was a blast talking to him about the project. The conversation was more than worth looking forward to, but as he told me about his expectations, the more I felt I was unable to gather the resources I’d need to do the work to my satisfaction.

It was a sad moment for me. The project had sounded exciting. I’d enjoyed beginning a relationship that was authentic, filled with fun, and an example of with great communication.

I didn’t stay sad very long.

He must have felt the same values. When I declined, that potential client shifted the topic to other projects on which we might work together.

There is a lesson here. It’s one I like believing in.

Ever had a no become a yes like these?

–ME “Liz” Strauss
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5 Comments to “Saying No With Authenticity … When No Becomes Yes Unexpectedly”

  1. July 1st, 2009 at 11:02 am
    Karin H said

    How typical again Liz ;-)

    Just only this morning we did receive an order confirmation about an item I cannot go into detail of very much (small retailer lands job from one of the big guys in our Industry should shed some light though ;-)).

    It started 1.5 months ago with tiny test order through our secure webshop. Both we and manufacturer were surprised and delighted. Some follow-up emails followed on further (larger) tests and promises on future large annual orders too. Until the big guy thought small guy should follow their Terms & conditions. Thoughts of future orders disappeared quickly.

    Then one little phone call about what small in these economical times truly means changed the whole ‘condition’. Big guy understands and agrees to smaller conditions and is looking forward to the arrival of the unique product.

    And both lived happily ever after ;-)

    Shows you, like your story and experience, how perception can change for the better when true and honest feelings are shared on an equal base.

    Karin H (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)

  2. July 1st, 2009 at 11:45 am
    Web Media Daily – July 1, 2009 | Reinventing Yourself... said

    [...] Saying No With Authenticity … When No Becomes Yes Unexpectedly …Liz Strauss [...]

  3. July 1st, 2009 at 11:01 pm
    Nile said

    Of course! People will always find something for another who they connected with, even if it is not direct. It is always wonderful and why I love to connect with people.

    I had an incident that I had to decline a project, but I referred it to another person who I thought could finish the web development for the project. They ended up coming back to me to put their blog together and have been referring people since.

  4. July 2nd, 2009 at 7:13 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Nile,
    Integrity is its own reward. Your story proves that again. :)

  5. July 2nd, 2009 at 11:50 am
    Lisa Jenkins said

    Nice post, Liz. Passing on the chance at work is very hard,especially when I’m just starting out but I want the quality of my work to speak louder than the quantity of work I do.

    @LisaDJenkins

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