B-A-N-C.
I remember reading about this in a project management book (one of these $1.50 cents yellowish books bought in a used book store) a few years ago while traveling on a train across the country. Four easy questions next time the phone rings or people talk.
Budget
Any money for the project?
Authority
Does the person have any authority in the project?
Need
Is there a need for the project?
Cycle
Is now the right time?
Those four questions can usually be answered rather quickly. Moving on.
:beer:
I guess I'm not really concerned if there is a need for the project (as long as the client wants to pay)
For construction related surveying, it's always better if the project never gets built. Less liability and no annoying as-built plans.