7 Reasons Why People Say “No” to Your Programs

Do you find yourself talking to lots of people, but no one is signing up for your programs? It’s especially frustrating when you know you have the perfect solution for someone and could help them achieve exactly what they want, but they still say, “No, thanks.”

The answer typically lies in your one-on-one conversation with them. This is the conversation you have with someone when you’re trying to determine if they can benefit from your services.  Many coaches unknowingly sabotaging their success during this conversation.

Here are 7 common reasons why people say no to your programs and what to do to avoid these mistakes.

Reason #1 – You have a vested emotional interest in whether or not they sign up.

There’s a saying in negotiations: “He who has the least to lose, wins.” and “He who has the most to lose, loses.”  This applies when you’re talking to prospects.

If you feel a desperation – an emotionally vested interest – for them to sign up for your program, that desperation will come through in the tone of your voice, the words you choose, and your body language.  The person you’re talking to will pick up those signals, and the results are that they will often say no and make excuses.

It’s great to have a strong desire to want to work with someone.  And as coaches, we really love helping transform people’s lives.  But understand that their decision of whether or not to sign up with you is their choice.  And only they can make that choice.

If someone doesn’t say “Yes,” it leaves an opening for someone else who is a better fit for you.  Trust that the services you are offering are valuable and that the right clients will come to you.

If you’re talking to a lot of prospects, but no one is signing up, this is an important mistake to correct.

Reason #2 – Not clearly conveying the value of what you are offering.

This is one of the most common mistakes coaches make.  Before you ever tell someone the investment for working with you, you MUST convey the value of what you are offering – clearly and in words they immediately comprehend.

Do you help them…

• save time, money, or effort
• make more money or free up time
• eliminate frustration or overwhelm
• improve relationships
• reduce stress
• develop essential skills

Whatever the value is, whether monetary or not, clearly spell it out before you name a price.

The better you convey the value, the less objections you’ll get about the investment amount.  For example,

Tell them how much time they will save and suggest what they can do with that time.
Paint a picture of what their life will be like when they achieve a better relationship with their spouse.

Reason #3 – Not asking for the business.

This includes the timing for asking them to buy.  Many coaches will clearly explain their program, but choke-up when actually asking for the business.  They don’t want to feel pushy. So instead, they ask the prospect, “So what do you think?”

Before you mention a investment amount, convey the value and get confirmation that they really are interested in what you are offering. Then name the investment amount, and ask, “So are you ready to move forward?”  At that point you can either sign them up or handle their questions or objections.

Remember, if you don’t ask for the business, you aren’t likely to get it.

Reason #4 – Price is Too High

If you’ve clearly conveyed the value, this will rarely be an issue – unless they really don’t have the funds (or any way to get the funds) to work with you.

Obviously, you want to price your program well so you can charge what you’re worth and get it.  But in some instances, you may have to lower your price – at the beginning – to get your first few clients.

Such instances could happen when you are just starting as a coach and don’t yet have a track record and testimonials to back-up your claims.  It can also happen when you start a new program with no track record or testimonials.

I recommend that you look at all the other reasons first, before lowing your price.  If you think the price may be the issue, try lowering it 20% and see what happens.  If you’re still hearing “No, thanks,” consistently – and you’ve eliminated all other 6 reasons on this page – then you may want to try lowering it again.

Reason #5 – Price is Too Low

Yes, it really is possible to kill sales by offering your programs at too low a price.  If you’ve ever hesitated to invest in a book, program or home-study course because you thought the price was too low for what they were promising to deliver, you understand this.

You’ll want to price your programs based on the value of what you are offering, not on a comparison to other low-cost products.  If your program will change their life, it’s worth a lot more than a $25 book from Amazon.  And if you’re giving them your individual time, it’s worth hundreds or thousands of dollars – at least.

Remember that your price is a reflection to others of the value that YOU place on the program.  Let them know how valuable the program is by pricing it well.

Reason #6 – Not offering them exactly what they want.

Have you ever gone to the store to buy something, only they didn’t have what you wanted?  Did you buy something else instead, only to later return the item or regret your purchase?

One of the reasons potential clients may be saying no is because you aren’t offering them exactly what they want.  (Notice, I said what they “want,” not what they “need.”)

For instance, if your ideal client says they want “blue rope,” then be sure to tell them your program will give them “blue rope.”  Don’t tell them that your program offers them “the finest weave of hemp available in many vibrant colors.”  Don’t expect them to interpret your description.  Instead, use the same words and phrases that they do.

Which leads us to the biggest reason people say “No” to hiring you…

Reason #7 – Offering your program to someone who isn’t your ideal client.

Make this mistake, and it doesn’t matter if you make any others.  This one can sabotage your success all by itself.  Here’s how to avoid it…

When you’re having a conversation with someone, make certain they are an ideal client BEFORE you go through the time and effort of offering them your program.  Otherwise, you’ll likely end up wasting your time and theirs.  Remember, an irresistible program is designed for a specific ideal client.  It’s not a “one size fits all” solution, which is a myth anyway.

I recommend that you spend the first 5-10 minutes of your conversation with a potential client simply asking questions and listening carefully to see if they are an ideal client for you.  If they are, perfect!  You have exactly what they want and need.  Avoid the other 6 common mistakes, and you’ll most likely get a new client.  Otherwise, offer a recommendation or two, wish them the best, and send them on their way.

Summary

If you’re doing all you know to do and still struggle to get clients, the breakthrough you are looking for could be as easy as one of the reasons listed above.

I know because at one time or another, I made every single one of those mistakes – sometimes multiple ones at the same time!  Now I work with coaches every week, helping them to avoid these same trouble areas.

Imagine what your coaching practice would be like if people got really exciting about your programs.  They couldn’t wait to hear the investment amount because they were already “sold” on working with you.  Eliminate the 7 reasons above, and you, too, can have a coaching practice like this.

Go through these and choose one or two to start working on immediately.  I know you’ll see great results right away.  And if you need help, be sure to check out the additional, free resources in my blog.  There, you’ll find some of my best-kept shortcuts and secrets to creating irresistible offers, programs, and websites.

Wishing you the best for more clients and more sales, more often.