Respectful to Client Budget

Q:

After putting together a realistic budget, how do you respond respectfully to a client who tells you that your budget is 10 times what they have to spend?

A:

The way to respond is to not take it personally. This is not about you and any value assigned to your talent. Keep it professional and don’t do anything to damage your reputation. If the budget is not feasible then politely explain that you wouldn’t feel comfortable promising them a level of quality that would be required for the job, and wish them well.