This weekend was all about fishing and life lessons. After my youngest son caught his largest fish ever—a King Fish—he had another turn on the rod. Before long, he hooked another big one, and our hearts raced together as he reeled it in.
It was a beauty—big, strong, and everything you’d imagine when you dream of landing the “big one.” But as he brought it closer and got a good look, we made a choice: he let it go.
Why? Because not every big fish is the right catch for you.
This fish didn’t suit what we were after or align with the experience we wanted. Watching it swim away gave us a sense of clarity and reminded me of an important lesson in sales and business:
Not every opportunity is worth taking.
As salespeople, we’re wired to chase and win. Seeing a potential new customer or deal can spark that same excitement, but it’s critical to pause and ask: Is this the right fit for me, my team, and my business?
Here’s why letting go of the wrong opportunity can be the best decision you make:
1. Values Matter – In fishing, respecting the fish and the environment matters. In sales, respecting your values and the alignment with a customer’s goals is crucial. If there’s a mismatch, it’s better to walk away than force a deal that may not work out.
2. Focus on Your Strengths – Catching a fish you can’t handle—or taking on a customer that doesn’t align with your expertise—can distract you from what you do best. Channelling energy into the right opportunities builds momentum and confidence.
3. Long-Term Thinking – Letting a fish go allows it to grow or find its place elsewhere. In sales, saying no to a misaligned customer makes space for the right one. It’s about quality over quantity and relationships built to last.
The moment I watched that fish swim away, I felt peace. It wasn’t a loss—it was a choice to stay true to what matters most.
Have you ever turned down a customer or deal because it wasn’t the right fit? What helped you make that call, and what did you learn from the experience? Let’s share stories and lessons in the comments.
Sometimes, the hardest decisions are the most rewarding.
#SalesLeadership #CustomerAlignment #StrategicDecisions #FishingForSuccess
