Business Owners?

[Jiro]

Glad you edited because it was a POS post before. Lol.

Fair and absolutely a reasonable point. Time is money and wasted time on problem customers isn't beneficial. I do choose when possible. I hope to be at the point to where I would be able to completely choose my customers as you do to where you would be able to sacrifice your own personal financial security. I am definitely not at that stage at this time. I do know that one has to take the good with the bad if one wants to really thrive. Big stones are the only way to go. I'm in it to make as much as I possibly can while providing quality work... and maybe even building a legacy for my sons. We'll see how it goes.

good luck then!

mind if I ask what's your business about?

 

[ohmylight]

limiting myself? nope not at all. I'm eliminating bad prospects. big difference. I refuse to work with clients from hell. Impossible to stand behind the quality of my work if I take in 5 lousy clients that will consume my time. Plus.... not a big deal since my rate isn't cheap.

I don't fill my jar with small pebbles... only big stones but hey... since you said your business is doing good... you should give it a try with new way. if it doesn't work, well at least you tried and know for sure. it's not like it will collapse your business unless it will.

I agree - my business or strategy doesn't work for everyone, but the worthwhile big clients appreciate the good client relationship I can make with them. I get repeat clients and more purchases out of people who are good clients who appreciate a good experience coming to me. The clients who aren't "from hell" also give better and more good referrals. I think good referrals get me past any hesitation from clients thinking my deafness is going to cause bad photographs (it's happened, and they can rot if that's their opinion... they obviously liked my portfolio enough to contact me.... and that argument has won over a few people who question my ability also).

Your question was how do you get past communication with clients - I use email and facebook messenger primarily (I'm a photographer, so my clients mostly find me online). Very few people insist on a (VP) phone conversation to plan - I usually use email to attach images to describe product/location/needs) - but I do always do in person selling because it brings in more $$ from clients to meet their needs face to face..... SO to get through communication there I have a very carefully planned worksheet to check off what they want and write in numbers for their orders - they do it so I make no mistakes. An iPad with an open "notepad" gets through the rest. I think the best thing to get through communication is overplanning my hand outs & media - I provide EVERYTHING in print (prices, suggestions for photoshoots and products, "frequently asked questions") - I also employ or network primarily with hearing people who know at least basic sign.... my favorite makeup artist and stylist are people I ALWAYS refer out to and get referrals from. I usually bribe them to assist me at expos by landing them a few jobs in exchange for being the "free help" when I sign up for an expo. The barter system with these sorts of people is super helpful!