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What Things to Consider When Deciding To Turn Down Potential Business Projects

As freelancers, we often feel as if we have to say ‘Yes’ to every single job out there. However, we as freelancers are in a position where we can choose to say ‘No’ if we want to. Believe it or not, there are certain projects that you probably shouldn’t accept. Turning down work is probably the hardest decision you will need to make when running your business, but sometimes turning down a gig is necessary.

In this article I will explain to you the details that you need to consider when you aren’t sure which route to take. Consider the following:

1. Will I Learn From This Project? -

As a self employed professional or freelancer, especially one in a technical field, you are expected always to be on top of new advances in your field. Therefore, taking a gig that will help you learn about something is probably worth taking on. However, it is important to make sure that you can do the job well even though it is new waters for you.

2. Is The Money Good? -

If the gig pays a lot of money, taking the money without any other benefits is probably a good idea. I am sure that you have an hourly rate, use this rate as a gauge to decide whether to take a job or not.

3. Do You Trust The Customer? -

If a potential client gives you the goosebumps then your instincts are probably telling you something. Do the potential customer’s references check out? If you mistrust a potential customer, but the pay looks good, perform a background check. An untrustworthy client could cheat you out of a lot of money, and isn’t worth the collection efforts.

4. Does This Freelance Project Fit With Your Moral Code? -

If a potential client offers you a project that really disgusts you, you need to turn the job down. If you do take it, you are definitely going to regret it later on down the road. In addition, you won’t be able to add this project to your portfolio . it just isn’t worth it.

5. Will This Gig Help Build Your Contact List? -

If taking this freelance project gets you in good with a few other clients, then taking this job on is probably a good thing. Do your best on this freelance job and soon it will lead to new job opportunities. A freelance project that helps your networking efforts is very worthwhile.

6. Will This Job Lead to Widespread Exposure of My Services? -

There are some freelance projects that don’t pay well, but that lead to wide exposure. For example, designing a web site that you feel is going to be big some day, or writing a column for a big website could potentially be very good for your career. Certain jobs will lead to a great exposure of your talents and will lead to a new influx of clients.

7. Does This Job Interest You? -

If you feel this job will bring you great joy and excitement, take the job on.

Take a look at all of the above considerations. Ideally, a gig will encompass all seven of these considerations, but in reality this rarely happens. If not even one or two of these is true, turn down the job. Good Luck.

Don’t Forget to Visit Our Other Freelance Articles and Our Freelance Resources Directory

Here are some articles on the net that you might also find useful:

10 Absolute No-Nos for Freelancers

Picking Clients Who Help Your Business

When and How to Turn Down a Project

Would You Take On That Project

Should You Use Elance

7 Reasons to Turn Down Business

Turning Down Work without Burning Any Bridges

Thanks, but no thanks: how turning down clients could help you grow your business

Turn Down Business to Get More Business

Turning Down Business

Is Turning Down Business Bad for Business

5 Reasons to Turn Down a Potential Client

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