I said no to $127,000 - here's how it boosted my business

+ Have you heard of the 'Success Client'? Let's tap into yours.

Most people would clutch their pearls at the thought of turning down $127,000 in sales 😄 (or was that just my reaction to the number?)

On a call with one of my clients we touched on this topic and I realized “I’ve never thought to calculate.” When I did… those imaginary pearls were clutched. 💀

As someone who grew up in 90s Yugoslavia, I respect every dollar (or dinar in my case). We’re conditioned to believe that saying yes to every client, every opportunity, every dollar in front of us is how we grow a business.

But not all money is created equal. Some money flows in with ease and feels like a celebration. It comes from working with clients who light you up, challenge you in the best ways, and make you feel like you’re doing exactly what you were born to do.

And then there’s the other kind of money - the kind that feels like you’re dragging a boulder uphill while someone yells at you to “smile more”. The kind that comes from misaligned clients, endless hand-holding, half-committed clients, and just work that doesn’t make you come alive.

I may or may not have taken that money before, *khm* which is why I don’t take that money any more.

And it’s just as much about respecting those who come to me, as it is for my own inner peace.

The $127,000 test

The reason why this number happened is because I’ve (continuously) set new standards for who gets into my private coaching offers. I don’t chase people, I audit them. Or rather us and our click.

Basically - I have a checklist for my ‘Success Client’.

Maybe it’s my defined Identity or Will centers, or maybe it’s my Line 2 that’s always been very selective about access to me… But this is how I’ve operated since the beginning of my business.

And though I know that we all have our own standards already, but many of my clients come to me at the last point of frustration in their biz, itching to pivot, and one of the reasons is always that they want a next level client. I know that as we grow and refine/redefine ourselves, our standards shift. So how have yours shifted?

Also, instead of hopping on calls with anyone who asks, I first qualify people through an application form. But these days that’s standard in the coaching industry (and many others).

Then on the call we make sure it’s a hell yes on both sides. Because when it is? That’s when sparks fly, champagne pops, and sales skyrocket 🥂

Define your ‘Success Client’

Here’s the question that changed everything:

If I had to pay my client back double if they didn’t get results with me, who would I allow into my offers?

Really sit with that question.

If you knew you’d have to refund them what they paid, you’d suddenly get very clear on:

• What mindset they’d need to have (resourceful, committed, proactive, coachable).

• What attitudes they’d bring (ready to do the work, emotionally mature, takes ownership of their results).

• What things they’d have in place (a foundation that makes them 99% likely to succeed—whether it’s the right experience, skills, or willingness to learn).

• What red flags would make you say no immediately (blaming others, resisting change, expecting overnight results without effort).

This question forces you to stop thinking like someone who’s just trying to make a sale and start thinking like someone who guarantees success.

PLUS, the confidence boost that comes from it? Hot.

Cuz when you know you’re only having perfect fit clients who slay, how can you not sell with confidence? How can you not confidently claim they’ll get their money’s worth, and then some?

That’s when you get to build a business that feels like champagne-popping magic.

What happened next?

Here’s what I’ve learned from saying “no” to $127K of misaligned money:

1. It makes space for the dreamiest clients.
   Every time I turned down an offer that felt off, a better one came in. Every. Single. Time. You’re just holding space. When you hold the standard for who belongs in your world, you stop wasting time on maybes and start attracting more hell yeses.

2. It makes my business thrive.
   Working with aligned clients doesn’t feel like “work.” It feels like co-creating something brilliant. It fuels me and I feel like I’m floating through life collecting great moments. And it floats because our geniuses are such a good match that things are smooth.

3. It protects my energy (which is my most valuable asset).
   Business isn’t just about making money—it’s about how you make money. If every dollar costs you your peace, your time, or your joy, it’s not worth it.

If that feels like a breath of fresh air, maybe it’s time you and I chat?

When you’re ready to build a business that doesn’t drain your soul - send me a message. Let’s make your next “yes” the best one yet. 🍾✨

xo Iva G.