It's the word that most entrepreneurs have a hard time saying. It's the word NO.
For various reasons we find ourselves saying YES way too often, to our vendors, to our friends, to our clients and many others. This is a drain on our time because we usually don't consider what's involved when we are asked for something that deals with our time.
The end result is normally not good. We get bombarded with things that have nothing to do with making a profit and we end up putting our money making plans on hold until we can accommodate all the YES answers we've handed out.
Plus, it's draining. All of the tasks you now must do just saps all of your energy and you're left with little motivation for the things that matter.
Instead, try saying NO more often. You don't even have to give a reason. Just say "sorry, I can't do that right now." Or try the YES, NO, YES approach which goes something like:
"Yes, I'd love to do that, but I can't right now, so could you come back to me another time and I'll do my best to take care of it then?"
This makes people think you're not summarily dismissing their request and leaves the door open for future help down the road.
Another way to say NO is to avoid having a knee-jerk YES reaction to anything that comes along. Practice saying NO to almost everything so you start getting used to how it feels. It may be awkward at first, and you may annoy some people, but when you realize how much time you'll save it will become second nature.
Deanna Maio, Certified Business Coach & Consultant, teaches women business owners how to stop wasting time, start making more money, and create a business that acts as a vehicle for living the life they desire and deserve. For FREE tips on how to increase your income and client base in your business, visit http://www.savvygals.com/
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Deanna has helped me to grow my business 600% in 6 months!Before working with Deanna, I was not acting like a business owner. I wanted to branch out on my own, fully, but I was afraid of losing the stability. I was working in 2 part-time jobs while trying to grow my business. I was scared and nervous of making change, of the unknown commitment. At that point, I probably was only seeing one client per month. I really didn’t have any sort of plan on how to do things right. I needed help.
Then I worked with Deanna, and now I’m feeling excited about the possibilities and projects that are coming up to grow my business. It’s exciting and fun. She helped me to get clear on who I am and what I want to do and we created a practical action plan that fit with my priorities and my busy schedule.
Deanna really listens to you, and it’s positive and inspiring to have another opinion on things. Throughout my time with Deanna, I didn’t ever feel any judgment from her. She never made me scared to try something new. I was able to gain a new confidence in my practice and myself. I am effectively networking because Deanna taught me how to present myself in a professional way. I realized that I don’t have to fake it to do great marketing. I can talk about myself and talk truthfully.
Now I have my own practice, where I am not just another employee; I am the owner. I'm also teaching massage to aspiring massage therapists. I have the energy and money to invest in my business. I have a lot more opportunity. There is so much more momentum building. I feel like a business owner and I'm confident when talking about MY business.
Thanks Deanna!
Sheila Resari - Licensed Massage Therapist & Owner
True North Massage