Successful Blog

  • Home
  • Community
  • About
  • Author Guidelines
  • Liz’s Book
  • Stay Tuned

Saying No With Authenticity … When No Becomes Yes Unexpectedly

July 1, 2009 by Liz

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
Work with Liz!!

Buy the eBook. and Register for SOBCon2010 NOW to save!!

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Filed Under: Marketing /Sales / Social Media, Successful Blog Tagged With: bc, business-relationships, LinkedIn

Recently Updated Posts

Is Your Brand Fan Friendly?

How to Improve Your Freelancing Productivity

How to Leverage Live Streaming for Content Marketing

10 Key Customer Experience Design Factors to Consider

How to Use a Lead Generation Item on Facebook

How to Become a Better Storyteller



From Liz Strauss & GeniusShared Press

  • What IS an SOB?!
  • SOB A-Z Directory
  • Letting Liz Be

© 2025 ME Strauss & GeniusShared