09
Practice Saying No
Boundary Building
This week, let’s talk about a habit that protects your time, sanity, and business growth: learning when to say no.
Habit of the week:
Practice Saying No
As web designers, we're wired to help clients succeed. But not every project is the right fit. Saying yes to the wrong projects can lead to stress, overcommitment, and less time for work you actually enjoy.
Why it matters:
Saying no isn't just about avoiding bad projects—it's about making space for the right ones. Whether it's a client with unrealistic demands, someone who's cycled through multiple designers, or last-minute requests that disrupt your workflow, knowing when to decline is a skill worth mastering.
Quick Start Guide:
- Recognize Red Flags: Watch out for clients who expect guarantees beyond reason or have a history of designer conflicts.
- Offer a Solution: Instead of just declining, refer them to fix-it services or colleagues who specialize in their needs.
- Set Time Boundaries: Decline last-minute rush jobs that require weekends or overnight work. Offer to schedule them within your normal working hours instead.
Cami's Tips
- Have a Go-To Response: Develop a polite but firm way to decline projects that don't align with your business. Save these responses as email templates for quick access.
- Communicate Boundaries Early: Make your work hours and availability clear in proposals, on your website, and in your email signature to prevent last-minute demands.
- Keep a Referral List: Maintain a list of trusted colleagues and larger fix-it companies like Codable and Upwork. Always check with your contacts before referring them.
- Journal Work Experiences: We all forget things. Writing it down will help you remember why you said no to a project.
Routine Checkpoint:
What's Your Take?
How do you handle turning down projects that aren't a good fit? Share your strategies using #WebDesignerHabits and join the conversation!
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Podcast Episode:
about the author
Cami MacNamara is a web designer and owner of WebCami LLC, a Seattle-based agency since 2002. She created Web Designer Habits to help solopreneurs build smarter systems, stay productive, and run a business that works for them.