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Why It’s Okay To Turn Away Business

July 20, 2016 by Matt Fox

I want to have a good name at the end of this. I want them to say, "Dan Crask, his team, and his business, do excellent work. They’ll stick it out no matter what. And they’ll be honest with you about how things go." - Dan Crask

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I have the fortune to talk with Dan Crask, from Brand Shepherd today. When Dan started up their business they took on a client who they should’ve told, “No!”

They were new in business. They wanted to build something amazing for this company because the company had potential influence for referrals. So they took the job. And it lost money, time, and energy.

Dan and I talk about this struggle and how a company should approach branding, among other things.

Here’s what Dan and I discuss in this episode:

  • Why Dan now prefers working with tangible product producers.
  • How they bootstrapped their business and built on their successes.
  • How being a “generalist” kept him from progressing in ways he wanted.
  • How he made his mistakes with the country club and worked to impress their board of directors.
  • How he recovered from this setback.
  • Why he said he should’ve declined the project when he first met with the client.
  • How to do your homework before taking on a project.
  • How he was able to still get referral business despite the crash and burn.
  • How Dan pivoted Brand Shepherd from this experience, and why that’s important to you and your business.
  • Why Dan believes his reputation is critical.
  • Why you want to have physical objects to leave with clients to remain top-of-mind.
  • How presidential election years have effected their business.
  • How they found the sweet spot in their market, and how you can do the same.
  • How major brands are always making small changes to keep their products fresh, and new looking, to the market.
  • What branding means to Dan (hint, it’s not just your logo and it involves making sales).
  • Why your story is crucial.
  • How to structure your story to appeal to your ideal clients.
  • Why he said James Hatfield, from Metallica, is a legend of our time.

Click here to download the 1-Page Quick Action Sheet for this episode here.

Enjoy the show:

Listen Now:

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Mentioned In This Show:

  • Brand Shepherd
  • DanCrask.com
  • Brand Shepherd on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
  • Dinovite
  • Simon Sinek’s book, Start with Why
  • Steven King’s Dark Tower Series, books 1–4
  • Fail To Learn interview with Donnie Bryant

Read more about Dan Crask:

  • Dan Crask

You can find Dan Crask here:

  • Brand Shepherd
  • DanCrask.com
  • Brand Shepherd on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Filed Under: Small Business, Marketing, Start Up

This article copyright © FailToLearn.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some links may be 'affiliate links.' This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we will receive a commission. I only recommend products I think will be of value. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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