If you're going to be even the least bit picky then there is no way to avoid occasional awkward, slightly tense moments.
Best thing I've found is to have a small store of recommendations of companies who specialise in the thing you're turning down. "I'm afraid it's not one for me but I'll tell you are fantastic at this type of thing..."
Also depends how you advertise your services. If you say you do "all plumbing and heating work" you'll have a trickier time turning stuff down than someone like me who advertises mainly small repairs.
I include bathrooms on my business cards to make me look like I'm skillful and know what I'm doing and generate calls. But if it's anything other than a straighforward like for like my answer is usually "I'm not taking anything big on at the moment due to a recurring back injury."
You can't argue against that one. You could even use that once in attendence to look at a big job by claiming it's a little too much for your in your current health. And then whack out the recommendations.
Best thing I've found is to have a small store of recommendations of companies who specialise in the thing you're turning down. "I'm afraid it's not one for me but I'll tell you are fantastic at this type of thing..."
Also depends how you advertise your services. If you say you do "all plumbing and heating work" you'll have a trickier time turning stuff down than someone like me who advertises mainly small repairs.
I include bathrooms on my business cards to make me look like I'm skillful and know what I'm doing and generate calls. But if it's anything other than a straighforward like for like my answer is usually "I'm not taking anything big on at the moment due to a recurring back injury."
You can't argue against that one. You could even use that once in attendence to look at a big job by claiming it's a little too much for your in your current health. And then whack out the recommendations.
