I couldn’t say “no” to clients, even when it hurt my business.

By: A Staff Writer

Updated on: Sep 10, 2024

The People Pleaser: YesPerson, Vancouver, Canada

I couldn’t say “no” to clients, even when it hurt my business.

Hey everyone, I’m YesPerson from Vancouver, Canada. As a freelance web designer, I was eager to please every client and land every project. But my inability to say “no” quickly led to burnout, missed deadlines, and resentment towards my own business.

How I Learned to Set Boundaries:

• Recognized the pattern: I realized I was taking on projects that weren’t a good fit just to avoid disappointing potential clients.
• Identified my priorities: I defined my niche, target audience, and the type of projects that aligned with my skills and passion.
• Developed a script: I prepared a polite but firm response for declining projects that weren’t a good fit.
• Communicated my capacity: I was transparent with clients about my workload and timelines, managing expectations from the start.
• Charged a premium: For projects outside my niche or with tight deadlines, I increased my rates to reflect the extra effort and stress.

Saying “no” is not a rejection. It’s a redirection. By learning to set boundaries, prioritize my well-being, and value my time, I’ve created a more sustainable and enjoyable business. If you’re struggling with people-pleasing, remember that it’s okay to decline projects that don’t align with your goals and values.