Clearly, I'm not perfect and sometimes, I move a bit too fast.
This was one of those instances.
I was so certain that this client would be a great fit that I abandoned my tried and true process.
It was incredibly stupid of me and cost me the client, potential referrals, and a lot of time.
You may have heard me talk
about my "Golden Door Qualifier," it's the questionnaire that I use to ensure that I only work with clients who are my ideal fits, otherwise known as awesome.
I knew this gal from the gym we both went to. She was a business owner, traveled a lot and was raising two boys. Her husband traveled a lot too.
She'd been asking me about design, but I hadn't realized she was in a super big hurry. I specialize in super big hurry projects so this seemed like a great
fit.
In that super big hurry, I totally skipped my "Golden Door Qualifier." (I have one for design and one for coaching.)
It only took about 2 weeks to start to see the major blunder I'd made.
Every issue that came up would have been avoided if I'd asked her to complete the "Golden Door Qualifier" (it's an in depth questionnaire that gives me
key insights, background, and essential knowledge how my client works and their expectations. It's pretty priceless!)
I considered inserting it into our working relationship as things started coming up, but that seemed too odd, so I muddled through.
I lost a lot of time, (which means money), and ultimately my client's trust. OUCH! That has never
happened.
Without following my proven process, I was winging it, and that never wins it.
Fortunately, I'd gotten the client far enough along that she made a lot of progress on her own. I still felt terrible about what had happened and ironically she was not a good fit for me and if I'd just used my "Golden Door Qualifier" I'd have known that and could have referred
her.
Just because someone asks if you can work with them doesn't mean you should say yes. They MUST QUALIFY and not everyone will. Those that don't, it's a gift to know that upfront so you don't make the same kind of mess that I did.
In any case, now you know that what I teach is real. I've lived through the mistakes so you don't have to. Come join me and learn how to work only with the best
fits in your business practice.
Mega Hugs,
Melissa
PS. I am going to raffle off a select number of copies of my "Golden Door Qualifier." I have one for interior design and one for coaching. If you are outside of those fields and win, you'll have a template you can use. Get Your F.REE Seat for the Training Here.
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