You're facing a client who wants to extend your speech. How do you navigate this challenging situation?
When a client asks to extend your speech, it's crucial to balance their needs with your boundaries. Here's how to approach this delicately:
- Assess the request's feasibility. Consider your schedule and the effort required to meet the extension.
- Communicate transparently. Explain any constraints and propose a compromise if necessary.
- Reaffirm your commitment to delivering quality work within the original scope or agreed upon terms.
How do you manage requests that go beyond initial agreements? Your strategies are valuable.
You're facing a client who wants to extend your speech. How do you navigate this challenging situation?
When a client asks to extend your speech, it's crucial to balance their needs with your boundaries. Here's how to approach this delicately:
- Assess the request's feasibility. Consider your schedule and the effort required to meet the extension.
- Communicate transparently. Explain any constraints and propose a compromise if necessary.
- Reaffirm your commitment to delivering quality work within the original scope or agreed upon terms.
How do you manage requests that go beyond initial agreements? Your strategies are valuable.
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I love this question. From my experience in my speaker Bureau many Speakers might go straight away to a position of negotiation or additional fee. Yet, by comparison, the Speakers that I manage would happily go from 45 minutes to 60 minutes and not charge any extra fee. They would see it as an opportunity to add more Value delight the client and have more opportunity for repeat and spinoff Business. There is a big difference however if the client wants them to do an extra session, i.e. a breakout. Most Speakers, rightly, would charge an extra fee for that, but maybe not the full fee as they are already there and it’s on the same day.
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One thing that i've found helpful is turn the extension into an interactive session. Ask questions or address specific challenges the client might be facing, ensuring the additional time is productive.
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First of all , I will try to understand from my client that why Is he trying to extend the conversation further more. May be he requires additional information or may be he is planning to increase the budget for his purchase or may be he is trying to pull out the negatives of the product to negotiate or it could be anything. If I were in the situation I will understand from his tone , language , probing questions and reading his face for reactions. Then I will decide whether to extend or cut shot. If I am extending , I am sure I will increase the deal value and at the same time I ensure I increase my value and my companies core values in front of the client. The above are from sales perspective.
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As a Minister of the Gospel, my calling transcends personal ambition. My primary commitment is to faithfully steward God's message with integrity, humility, and divine purpose. While I'm honored by the opportunity to extend my service, I'll commune with The Holy Spirit to seek God's guidance, through prayer, counsel from spiritual leadership, and careful discernment of His will. My extension isn't about position, but about Kingdom impact and obedience. 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says The LORD" (Zechariah 4:6). If this opportunity aligns with God's Sovereign plan, I'm ready; if not, I'm nicely step back and trust God's direction.
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Well, it's a pretty common situation. If an organizer asks me to extend my talk say 10 to 15 mins, I usually see if it's a small adjustment. I'm open to it, especially if I'm building a long-term relationship with the organizer. But, if it's a major time extension I'd have to be honest about any potential impact on my fee or other commitments. Ultimately, it's all about finding that sweet spot between being flexible and making sure I'm fairly compensated for my time and expertise."
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Extend the speech to adequately meet their needs and renegotiate the financial compensation effectively. However, first ensure the quality of the client with whom you are initiating a relationship.
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I'd be happy to do so!! Here's my rate. 😃🤠 This response usually works well enough. If I don't want to extend most people understand when you mention you're fully booked.
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When a client asks to extend your speech, it’s important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. As Maya Angelou wisely said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." By genuinely listening to their reasons and showing that you care about their needs, you can foster a positive relationship. Be open to discussing how you can adjust while also setting clear boundaries to maintain quality. Remember to document any new agreements to ensure everyone is on the same page. This thoughtful approach not only addresses their request but also reinforces trust and collaboration between you both.
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I usually build strong trust with my clients, and if they request to extend my speech or even adjust the budget, I am open to accommodating their needs as long as there’s a valid reason behind it. I value maintaining a respectful and professional relationship, and this approach has always worked well. However, if I ever notice any misuse of this flexibility, I handle it professionally by clearly communicating the boundaries. I would kindly remind them of the agreed timeframe and emphasize the importance of respecting it to ensure we stay on track.
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When extending a speech, it’s essential to prioritize value over volume, ensuring each additional moment remains relevant and impactful. Adaptable content and audience engagement are vital, so tailor your response based on the interest level and maintain concise delivery to respect everyone’s time. Being flexible yet focused is equally important. Setting boundaries ensures you stay on track while accommodating the client’s request. Balancing relevance, respect for time, and thoughtful delivery leads to meaningful and effective communication. This should be communicated clearly to the client and I am sure he/she will understand and respect your thoughts.
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