Sales Mistakes - Working shitty leads the same way you work good ones 

Let’s be real—not every lead is worth your time. But too many event pros chase every inquiry like it’s their next big sale, only to end up frustrated, ghosted, or working with nightmare clients who don’t respect their value.

The fix? Qualify your leads before you invest time in them. Instead of throwing quotes at everyone who asks, you need a process to separate serious buyers from time-wasters. Let’s talk about why this matters, how to spot red flags early, and the key questions to ask before you even THINK about sending a proposal.

The Problem: Wasting Time on the Wrong Leads

Not all leads are good leads. Here’s what happens when you skip qualification:

❌ You waste hours on dead-end inquiries – Creating proposals, answering endless questions, and following up with leads who were never serious to begin with.

❌ You end up with clients who don’t value your work – The bargain hunters, the indecisive planners, the “I just need a quote for now” crowd.

❌ You get stuck in a cycle of frustration – More leads ≠ more sales. Chasing every inquiry burns you out and keeps you from focusing on the right clients.

The goal isn’t to book every lead—it’s to book the right leads.

The Fix: How to Identify Red Flags Early

Before you invest your time, look for warning signs that a lead might not be worth it. 🚩

🚩 They ask for a price before sharing any details. A client who just wants “a quick quote” isn’t serious about working with you.

🚩 They ghost you after one response. If they disappear after you ask for details, they were never that interested.

🚩 They seem shocked by your pricing. If their budget expectations are way off, it’s an uphill battle from the start.

🚩 They keep changing their mind. If they can’t commit to a vision, they’ll be a headache from start to finish.

🚩 They have unrealistic demands. If they want luxury on a shoestring budget, save yourself the stress.

The Fix: Ask These Questions Before Sending a Proposal

Want to qualify clients fast? Ask these upfront:

1️⃣ What’s your event date and location? → If they don’t have a date locked in, they’re likely just browsing.

2️⃣ What’s your estimated budget? → If they dodge this question, it’s a red flag. You need to know if they can afford your services.

3️⃣ What’s most important to you in an event vendor? → This helps you see if their priorities align with what you offer.

4️⃣ Have you worked with a professional event vendor before? → First-timers often need extra education (and patience).

5️⃣ How soon are you looking to reserve? → If the answer is “just exploring options”, you’ll know not to invest too much time yet.

The best clients will answer these confidently. The ones who hesitate? Probably not worth your energy.

Final Takeaway: Be Picky—Your Time Is Valuable

Not every lead deserves your time. When you start qualifying before quoting, you’ll spend less time chasing bad leads and more time closing high-quality clients.

🚀 Stop chasing. Start qualifying. Work smarter.