17/06/2026
One of the fastest ways to lose an opportunity is to talk your way out of it.
I was on a Zoom call recently that was scheduled for 15 minutes.
By minute four, I already knew it wasn't a fit.
Not because of pricing.
Not because of expertise.
Not because of the service being offered.
It was because I couldn't get a word in.
The conversation was filled with explanations about how busy they were, how they were working with a coach (though I never quite figured out on what), and how if my timeline was XYZ, I needed to move quickly.
When I explained my actual timeline was QRS, suddenly there were scheduling conflicts all the way through TUV.
The reality was obvious.
They weren't interested.
And that's okay.
Not every opportunity is a fit. Not every prospect becomes a client. Not every conversation leads somewhere.
What wasn't okay was spending 15 minutes trying to avoid saying it.
As professionals, we need to learn how to communicate directly and respectfully.
"Based on my current commitments, I don't think I'm the best fit."
"I don't believe we're aligned."
"I don't have the capacity right now."
Those are perfectly acceptable answers.
Instead, the conversation became a masterclass in talking around the issue.
Ironically, it wasn't a complete waste of time. During the discussion, they mentioned an organization I'd never heard of before. I looked it up afterward and realized it may be a great opportunity for a client I'm helping build a speaking platform.
So something good came from it.
But here's the lesson:
Whether you're interviewing for a job, pitching a service, selling a product, or building a business, communication matters.
The more you talk to avoid the truth, the more obvious the truth becomes.
Sometimes the most professional answer is also the shortest one:
"No, thank you."
People may not like hearing it, but they'll respect you for saying it.