It's Time to Walk Away From The Deal

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• When to walk away ❌ 

• done-for-you cold emails ➡️ 

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How to Know When It’s Time to Walk Away

You know when you should probably give up on a deal, but instead, you leave it open because maybe, just maybe, they might buy.

We've all been there.

That deal that's been "almost ready" for six months. That prospect who keeps saying "next quarter." And that opportunity that’s not completely dead, so you let it sit in your pipeline for a year.

The reality is… sometimes the best deals are the ones you walk away from.

Like when Silvester Stalone turned down $350K for the rights to Rocky, because the producers wouldn’t make him the lead actor. Instead, he took $35K, sold his dog for $60 to make rent (true story), and played Rocky Balboa in the movie.

Don’t worry, he bought his dog back for $15K after that role made him millions. But imagine if Sylvester Stallone took that first deal, and never became Rocky Balboa.

The best deal he made, was walking away from the first one.

Now let’s talk about how to know it’s time to walk away. 👇️ 

The Psychology of Holding On

It’s hard to let go because our brains tell us not to.

First, there's FOMO - that fear that the moment you walk away, they'll be ready to buy.

Then there's the Happy Ears Syndrome - hearing what we want to hear instead of what the prospect is actually saying.

And finally, the sunk cost fallacy. ‘I've already spent three months on this deal, so I can't give up now’

Add in the pressure of keeping a full pipeline, and you've got a recipe for holding on way too long.

Red Flags You Can't Ignore

1. The Communication Dead Zone

This happens when prospects consistently:

• Take weeks to reply to emails

• Miss scheduled meetings

• Give vague responses

• Dodge direct questions

This is a sign that they're not serious (and probably won’t buy). Don’t waste your time when there’s better opportunities to use your effort on.

2. The Misalignment Dance

Even if they’re responsive and seem interested, you need to watch out when they:

• Focus solely on price (ignoring value)

• Have unrealistic expectations

• Lack decision-making power

Sometimes these are obstacles to overcome - but most of the time, they're signs to move on.

When to Pull the Plug

Learning when to walk away or ‘disqualify’ a prospect is a skill that’s learned over time.

There’s always going to be a prospect who seems unqualified but ends up buying. Or a deal that seems too easy, but never ends up closing.

Here’s a few rules we like to use.

• After a 2nd or 3rd missed meeting.

• When the budget is "next quarter" twice.

• If they can't connect you with decision-makers

• When the value isn't clear to them.

How to Walk Away, The Right Way

Don't ghost and don't burn bridges. Instead:

1. Be direct and professional: "Based on what I'm hearing, it seems like this might not be the right fit/time. Would you agree?"

2. Leave the door open: "If circumstances change, I'm happy to revisit the conversation. In the meantime, I'll share relevant info that could be helpful.”

3. Document why: Update your CRM on why you walked away. It helps with future qualifications and keeps you honest.

Remember, bad deals cost more than just time. They drain your energy, distort your pipeline, and worst of all - keep you from finding better opportunities.

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