How to Finally Stop Over-Promising

So many of us finally get to the point where we realize that it is time to stop overpromising. Overpromising about things you can do, how you can help a client, how you can meet a deadline, how you can achieve the right sample shown to you, and so on.

Overpromising is stressful; it is simply nerve-wracking. I mean when you promise that you will deliver in two days or in 20 minutes and you sincerely can’t do it but because you want to keep to the standard or not let the other person feel somehow, you over promise. This isn’t a good practice.

Related Post: Tips To Avoid You Overpromising

Don’t get me wrong, promising someone isn’t a bad thing, however, over-promising or over-committing yourself isn’t always a good practice. Let me quickly add that this is sometimes relative, and it depends on the objective of the situation.

According to Collins Dictionary, Overpromising simply means “to promise more than can be delivered.”

One thing I have noticed when I over promise or when people over promise is that we always want to please the other person or look so competent that we agree to a very tight deadline. This kind of situation, of course, leaves both parties dissatisfied as there is no fulfillment of the promise made.

As an entrepreneur, when you start to over promise, the quality of your work is affected. For instance, if you are a craftsman, and you produce 5 quality crafts daily with no assistance and a client makes a demand of 20 crafts in a day, how will you deliver the 20 crafts, and ensure the quality?

And so, here’s how to finally stop over-promising:

BE REALISTIC

If a client/customer makes an unrealistic demand, stop and think. Very often we are pressured by clients to meet up with a stipulated deadline. However, before you are quick to agree you must ask yourself the following questions: Do I have the resources to get this done? How long will I be able to deliver this? Do I need others to help me to get this done? Can I do this? These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself.

DO A TIME AUDIT

Whenever you are taking up a new project or work, you need to make sure you understand how much time you have to do it, and how much time it is required to get it done. Use similar work projects to estimate the delivery time, may not very accurate but should provide a duration for delivering the current project (product/service).

BE HONEST

Be honest with yourself when promising or making a business commitment. Remember, integrity matters. If by any means you have over-promised ensure you immediately speak with your client. You may put further client relationship at risk by being dishonest. Think of the long time benefit of honesty on the future of your business. Your clients/customers tell others that your business is reliable because you deliver when you say you would.

STOP SAYING YES WHEN YOU NEED TO SAY NO

So many of us want to say ‘no’ sometimes, but we end up saying ‘yes’. Ensure that whenever you are saying ‘yes’ to something, you really mean it.

COMMUNICATE EARLY

If you’ve noticed that some things can’t be done at a certain time you promised, it is important to communicate early. It is alright to take steps back when you realize that you have overpromised. Inform the client of any changes to the deadline and offer additional services as a compensation if the need arises.

Featured Image Credit: Freepik

Have you ever found yourself overpromising? What were the things you did to stop overpromising? Share them with us in the comments below.