Time wasters: how to protect yourself from. A short guide

[JohnnyDoe]

Let's talk about something every business professional dreads: people who waste your time. We've all been there: spending hours in conversations that go nowhere, entertaining leads that never convert, or getting strung along by folks who aren't serious about working together.

I've developed a pretty solid radar for spotting these time-wasting interactions before they drain my energy and resources. Here's my guide to protecting your time and sanity.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

When you're chatting with a potential client or collaborator, pay attention to these warning signs:

- Communication that feels like running in circles. If someone can't give you straight answers or constantly dodges direct questions, that's your first clue. Vague responses like "I'll think about it" or "I'll get back to you" - but they never do - are classic time-waster signals.

- Weird communication patterns matter too. Are they sending super long, rambling messages that say nothing? Or just responding with one-word replies? Neither is a good sign. Serious professionals communicate clearly and purposefully.

- Watch how they handle plans and commitments. Do they reschedule constantly? Cancel at the last minute? Make elaborate excuses? These are massive red flags that they're not genuinely invested.

Practical Strategies for Filtering Out Time Wasters

Here's what I've learned works best:

- Set crystal clear expectations from the start. When you outline exactly how you work, what you need, and what clients can expect, you automatically filter out the tire-kickers.

- Ask specific, pointed questions that require real answers. Instead of letting someone ramble, ask direct questions like: "What's your project budget?" or "What's your timeline?" Serious people will give concrete responses.

- Protect your time by having a structured approach. Maybe that's a brief initial consultation, a small paid discovery session, or a quick intake form. Make it clear there's a process, and those who aren't serious will naturally drop off.

- Implement a small financial barrier. A modest consultation fee or deposit can quickly separate genuine prospects from time-wasters. It sounds harsh, but it works.

The Art of Disengaging

Sometimes, you just need to know when to walk away. If someone consistently shows they're not serious, it's fine to politely exit the conversation. A simple "I don't think we're the right fit right now" can save you hours of frustration.

Remember, your time is valuable. Every minute you spend with a time waster is a minute not spent on real opportunities.

 

[uplana]

Oh yes, I’ve experienced this so many times over the years. Either you get some ridiculous questions like, “Why should I trust you?” and I’m just thinking, “If you don’t, go find your entertainment elsewhere.” Or, as you mentioned, you get insanely long messages that I can’t be bothered to read and just end up ignoring the person.

Then there’s the cryptic English, and once you’ve fought your way through it, you get a one-word reply.

That’s when I’m out immediately. Same when people start with “Bro,” “Mate,” “Homie,” or whatever else they can come up with, I’m gone and don’t respond.

And let’s not forget the super professional ones who, when it’s time to pay, suddenly need to “think it over” and never get back to you.

On the flip side, I’ve also had one-word repliers who, within 5 words, paid me 9000 USDT just like that. They got their service with a detailed explanation, and all I got in return was a simple, “Thank you!

 

[JohnnyDoe]

Time wasters typically fall into one of these 3 categories:

1. The Overthinker: Paralyzed by overanalysis, they end up doing nothing. While they're busy contemplating every microscopic detail, opportunities slip right past them.
2. The Cheap Guy: Obsessed with finding the cheapest solution or product. These penny-pinchers are convinced they're financial geniuses. They end up buying an expensive future headache.
3. The Know-It-All: They refuse help, because DYI is their religion, even when they have zero clue of what they're doing. Pride prevents them from accepting advice, and the results are predictably disastrous.

Inevitably, they all pay the same price: losing money, going bankrupt, or to prison, sometimes all three. The survivors usually return and beg, paying a multiple of the original ask price to fix what's left to salvage.
And you tell them “I told you”.

 

[sergeylim88]

lets say some service cost 100k $, and you ask client "What's your project budget?"
he says "2 million $"
will you still charge him 100k $, or you will wrap the 100k $ service in shiny paper and charge him more?

 

[Houdini]

That’s actually a great example. I’ve often wondered the same thing, and when people ask me about my budget, I counter with a question: “What’s the price?”

 

[thomasparra]

Time wasters typically fall into one of these 3 categories:

1. The Overthinker: Paralyzed by overanalysis, they end up doing nothing. While they're busy contemplating every microscopic detail, opportunities slip right past them.
2. The Cheap Guy: Obsessed with finding the cheapest solution or product. These penny-pinchers are convinced they're financial geniuses. They end up buying an expensive future headache.
3. The Know-It-All: They refuse help, because DYI is their religion, even when they have zero clue of what they're doing. Pride prevents them from accepting advice, and the results are predictably disastrous.

Inevitably, they all pay the same price: losing money, going bankrupt, or to prison, sometimes all three. The survivors usually return and beg, paying a multiple of the original ask price to fix what's left to salvage.
And you tell them “I told you”.

The Know-It-All is a classic. I am blessed not to come across to many in my line of work. They wouldn't want to do it anyways.

Actually the clients with who I generate the most revenue are the ones of a few words - each word carries meaning, and nothing is left for interpretation. You bill them 10k and they pay the week after without any issues, just saying "thank you, i'll be in touch for the next project". Nothing better than such a relationship with no BS, as you understand and trust each other.

 

[wamply]

I agree to these points and its good to cut BS off early to save time.

If you feel like many potential clients are time wasters then there might be some issues with your own service. Time wasting goes both ways. Often in client-service provider relationships time costs significantly more for one side than the other.

Ive been quoted 10-20% by anonymous providers here on this board for services that cost 0-4% from people who have a track record and you can meet them in person. This way provider gets so many time wasters that they are forced for an upfront fee which produces even more time wasters. Spiral to bottom unless you get enough beginners with a bunch of cash.

 

[JohnnyDoe]

lets say some service cost 100k $, and you ask client "What's your project budget?"
he says "2 million $"
will you still charge him 100k $, or you will wrap the 100k $ service in shiny paper and charge him more?

Just because a client has deep pockets doesn't mean you should inflate your prices. But (and this is important) when you're dealing with bigger budgets, you need to make sure you're the right fit in the first place. Proper prospect profiling is essential and the first step in establishing a solid business relationship.

I've found that high-budget clients often want and expect more comprehensive solutions. So instead of just charging more for your standard package, think about what extra value you can pack in there. It could be more hands on support, faster turnaround times, or additional services that complement your main offering.

You should price based on the value you deliver, not what you think they can afford. Your reputation is worth more than a quick buck, and the best clients stick around when they feel they are getting their money's worth.

 

[thomasparra]

Just because a client has deep pockets doesn't mean you should inflate your prices. But (and this is important) when you're dealing with bigger budgets, you need to make sure you're the right fit in the first place. Proper prospect profiling is essential and the first step in establishing a solid business relationship.

I've found that high-budget clients often want and expect more comprehensive solutions. So instead of just charging more for your standard package, think about what extra value you can pack in there. It could be more hands on support, faster turnaround times, or additional services that complement your main offering.

You should price based on the value you deliver, not what you think they can afford. Your reputation is worth more than a quick buck, and the best clients stick around when they feel they are getting their money's worth.

This, 100%.

I have seen many business relationships (even from market leaders) that could have lasted for years but were lost due to the short-term opportunistic approach of the service provider. While it's important not to sell yourself short, inflating the price too much just because you can on a project could mean you are killing future opportunities with this client. You will definitely lose in the long term, especially if your line of work involves repeating business / referrals.

An example, just one month ago. I saved the client $2k on a single project. They were happy with the work and referred me to a colleague from another office, and we are looking at a $15k project deal. If I was greedy, I would have made 2,000 more last month, but would be losing an opportunity that is 8 folds larger today!

 

[JohnnyDoe]

This, 100%.

I have seen many business relationships (even from market leaders) that could have lasted for years but were lost due to the short-term opportunistic approach of the service provider. While it's important not to sell yourself short, inflating the price too much just because you can on a project could mean you are killing future opportunities with this client. You will definitely lose in the long term, especially if your line of work involves repeating business / referrals.

It relates to the forced dynamics of the inverse pyramid structure of a business. I will write a post on it soon. It’s a common problem that seems easy to avoid but requires planning and investments.

 

[YoungLansk]

Just because a client has deep pockets doesn't mean you should inflate your prices. But (and this is important) when you're dealing with bigger budgets, you need to make sure you're the right fit in the first place. Proper prospect profiling is essential and the first step in establishing a solid business relationship.

I've found that high-budget clients often want and expect more comprehensive solutions. So instead of just charging more for your standard package, think about what extra value you can pack in there. It could be more hands on support, faster turnaround times, or additional services that complement your main offering.

You should price based on the value you deliver, not what you think they can afford. Your reputation is worth more than a quick buck, and the best clients stick around when they feel they are getting their money's worth.

Inflating your price / Market price 10x doesn't make you an expert in the field or a better solution , Someone with knowledge and bit of market research Will immediately call your bs and tap out of the deal or wont take you seriously.

 

[thomasparra]

It relates to the forced dynamics of the inverse pyramid structure of a business. I will write a post on it soon. It’s a common problem that seems easy to avoid but requires planning and investments.

Looking forward to reading it.

5 years ago, I saw a 700M/year service business drop one of their largest customers (10% of their annual revenue) as they did not want to use a software platform imposed by the client to streamline vendor management and services rendered.

The vendor was and is still the market leader, but they lost 70M in revenue per YEAR that day. Short term thinking especially for something that would not have changed anything in their process or competitiveness.

Luckily for them, they realised their mistake two years later and the client was nice enough to onboard them back.

 

[fighthorse]

Increasing your price when you have know-how and a lot of specific knowledge can also be a good strategy to differentiate small clients from large ones and focus only on those who bring in significant revenue. This assumes, of course, that you already have a solid business in place.

 

[JohnnyDoe]

Looking forward to reading it.

Here it is: https://www.offshorecorptalk.com/threads/the-inverted-pyramid-business-trap.46639/

 

[Houdini]

I believe that it's not that big of a problem unless you play the time wasters game. If he does not take action 2 or 3 replies or it is totally clear what he wants, just whish him a good day and say goodbye.