The Most Important Word in Business is to Say No

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“The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say No to almost everything”

Saying No Can Be Good for You And Your Business

When I started saying No to clients is when my marketing agency grew exponentially.

How many times do you find yourself saying Yes to something only to regret it later? Maybe it’s a social obligation. Maybe it’s a work commitment. In your head you want to say No. And then you blurt out a Yes. You are mad at yourself and resent it, but it’s too late. You have committed, and now you need to honor it.

We stretch ourselves too thin by overcommitting ourselves. We feel bad or guilty when we say No to people. We want people to like us. We don’t want to be perceived as a bad person. Saying No doesn’t make you a bad person. Know your value and protect your time. Stop trying to please everyone.

So we say Yes.

Every Yes to Something is a No to Something Else

You say Yes to a networking event. That’s a No to spending a nice evening with your husband. You say Yes to a new project. That’s saying No to your new workout plan. You say Yes to a party. That’s saying No to working on your book. Every Yes to spending time on social media is saying No to more You time. heck out our blog post on how to eliminate your social media addiction once and for all.

You get the drift.

Learn to Say No

You don’t need an excuse. But if you must have one, you can use this example from E.B.White, an American author who politely refused an important invitation, using humor:

Dear Mr. Adams,

Thanks for your letter inviting me to join the committee of the Arts and Sciences for Eisenhower.

I must decline, for secret reasons.

Sincerely,

E.B.White

Tips to Saying No with Confidence

• Confirm that you value the relationship and the person

• Thank them for the opportunity

• Say No: You don’t need a reason. Say No and leave it at that. No need for excuses. Be brief, polite, and to the point. It’s a two-letter word.

• Practice saying No. Start with small things. The more you practice, the easier it gets.

• Stay connected with why you are saying no in your head. Saying No opens opportunities for things you want to say Yes to – whether it’s watching Netflix, reading your favorite book, or doing nothing. It’s your right, your time and your life.

• The next time someone asks you a question, pause. Think about the answer. When the opportunity comes for No, say No and see what happens.

Most people, including yourself, will respect you, even more when you say No.

Repeat after me: No. No. No.

Now get out there and practice.

Before You Go

Your No’s sound really good. Now, say Yes, and sign up for our email newsletter and find more time, creativity and flow each day.

Looking for more ways to save time? Try these:

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