Every business is always looking for new clients to work with. However, not all prospects are suitable for the growth of your business. Dealing with clients also involves turning some down.
Of course, to maintain your reputation, you need to turn down a prospect in a professional manner. Here are a few ways how you can professionally turn down a prospect.
1. Respond As Soon As Possible
One thing you need to remember is that you have to turn down a prospect in the same way it was received. For example, if you got it via email, then you need to email back to turn it down. In the same way, if it was done over the phone then you will have to have a conversation with the client.
The key here is to do it as soon as possible. Show gratitude for considering your business and then respectfully turn it down. Provide a reason for it but don’t go into too many details.
2. Provide Them With Other Options
Why not help your client so it becomes easier for them to find another provider? When turning them down, refer other options to them that they can take a look at. It will allow them to have more options.
Besides that, it will give them a clear direction they can proceed in. After all, you are in the industry they need so you would know better options for them. Clients appreciate when businesses do this for them.
3. Be Polite
Never be defensive or cold when turning down a prospect. Remember, you have a reputation to uphold in the industry and you don’t want them to bad mouth you to potential clients. That is why you need to be kind and polite in all your dealings.
Thank them for their interest in your business and then let them know that their needs would be best met elsewhere. Keep your tone soft and polite during this so that you don’t come off as obnoxious or ungrateful.
4. Offer Help
The client will be disappointed when you are turning down their prospect. However, you can rectify this disappointment by offering to help in some way. For example, you can offer to provide them with other options or other resources that would be useful for them.
This will show the clients you care about their needs and you are not looking to waste their time. They will have a positive attitude towards your business and they will not resent you for turning them down. Going out of your way while declining is a good way to compensate for the rejection you are throwing their way.
These are the top four ways you can politely turn down a prospect. It is important to be polite, soft-toned, and courteous. You want the potential clients to still hold a good image of you or your reputation in the industry may decline. After all, there is nothing worse than bad press.