83- Entrepreneurs dealing with out of scope work requests

In this episode of The Struggling Biz, we deliver a theme with some suggested solutions on a problem facing most entrepreneurs, startups and small business owners. And that problem is one that directly affects the profitability of your business in your offerings, offers and services — as it impacts your bottom line

So Lisa R Wells of lisarwells.com has programs that have been targeted to solo-preneurs and startups to strengthen their resolve to accept projects that will be profitable for their businesses.

In fact, Lisa states the essence of this problem: “When clients are constantly requesting services and support that is outside of the scope of your original contract, it quickly becomes a problem. First, you are NOT required to do everything every client asks of you. This is YOUR business. It is up to you to choose how to operate it. Most importantly, and something many struggle with, it is perfectly acceptable to tell clients “No.” Especially when they are asking for things you never agreed to do… “

Lisa proposes 3 solutions on how to respond when clients are requesting out-of-scope work or support. And she includes this in her business-building action kit.

” Business-Building Action Kit: 10 Difficult Client Situations and How to Manage them with Grace & Ease.”

Now, I have followed Lisa and received correspondence and news about her programs — and most of the time, she has provided free advice and solutions for solo-preneurs, startups and small business owners.

You can view a 5-minute video at her web site of lisarwells.com to understand the 3 suggestions:

Attach a price to the request (very politely) and explain why it is over and above the quoted scope of work;
Refer the client to the original contract terms stated in the written agreement;
Refer the client to someone else.

Please be advised that the last solution suggestion may be difficult to deal with, but your business will be better off because it can avoid dangers to profitability — and it can become a never-ending cycle of requests that go beyond the agreement and scope of work.

For this entrepreneur, I really encourage strict adherence to the original terms of a written contract, and that you spell out the scope of work with the client before you agree to take on the project. And your bottom line will thank you for being firm on this aspect.

Thank you for your attention.