You Can't Satisfy Everyone
Don't fool yourself. Learn to say no.
Last week my team and I had to say goodbye to a long time client. It was a hard conversation, but one that had to happen. This was a discussion that should have taken place a few years ago. After our conversation we mutually agreed it was best to part ways.
It’s never easy losing a client. Whether they decide to leave on their own, or you have to “fire” them, it’s not something you look forward to.
In this day and age there sometimes can be unrealistic expectations placed on you and your team. Too many people don’t value or appreciate the time you or your team spend on them. Instead you’ll hear;
“You’re too expensive” or “I can find that better somewhere else”
If that’s what you begin hearing from a client, it implies that they aren’t valuing you, your team and the product or service that you’re providing them. It sends the signal that maybe it’s time you reevaluate how much time and resources you spend on that client.
Something I always go back to is what is the return on hassle. I wrote about this in a past post, Return on Hassle: Putting an hourly rate on your time. Try applying this both personally and professionally. This mindset helps clear up your line of thinking.
No matter, what you’ll never be able to satisfy everyone. You can’t be a fit for every person that you come in contact with. Your product or service isn’t a match for everyone. And there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, that’s a positive thing.
It’s important that you identify and focus your time on the clients who value you, your company, the advice, products and services you’re providing them. It’s a two way street. Remember quality over quantity.
Value your time. Be picky where your time is spent. Focus on doing the most important tasks and providing the best possible experiences to your clients. Work with who values you and your time.
It took me over half my career to realize this. I previously had tried to satisfy everyone. Refusing to say no, I said yes to everything. I’d work extra hard by spreading myself too thin. I felt like Gumby being stretched in all directions. As you get stretched out, the weaker you become. You have less focus and less attention because you’re spread too thin. You’re unable to do your best. It’s exhausting and unsustainable.
Is this you? Is this you at work, or outside of work?
Get comfortable creating boundaries. Get comfortable being in control of your schedule and time. Get comfortable saying no. Focus and remain invested in the clients, friends and family who value you and your time the most.
You can’t satisfy everyone. It’s ok to say no. Maybe that’s a word you need to get better at using. Start today and you’ll be thanking yourself tomorrow.
The Coffee Table ☕
The All-In Podcast Episode 99 had a discussion at the 59:24 mark about the upcoming Supreme Court hearing regarding Section 230 and what it means for the future of the internet and content moderation. It was a fascinating discussion by Chamath, Sacks, Friedberg & Jason.
Nick Maggiulli wrote a nice piece entitled What the Money is For. He speaks about using money to create memories with your loved ones. That is after all why we work so hard, so enjoy it.
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