Just Say No and See Your Business Grow
Just Say No and See Your Business Grow
However the inability to say NO can become a real hindrance in our businesses. There are certain times when saying NO is essential in order for us to move forward. But often we hesitate, even when we know that NO is the right answer to someone's request, whether it be a family member, a client, an organization, or even a charity.
Here are some ways saying No can help your business grow:
SITUATION: You have a client who always wants you to do more for them than the work that's clearly spelled out in your contract, and they want you to do it without charging them extra. I've had this situation come up both in my business and with my clients. There are several ways you can say no and prevent this from happening in the future.
SOLUTION: Tell them you'd be happy to do the work and exactly how much extra that would cost. If they seem unhappy, review the contract with them and explain that their request was not included in the scope of the work they paid for. If instead, you agree to do the extra work without getting paid, you de-value your time and you train them to do the same with you again, or with someone else.
To avoid this happening in the future, continue to refine the language in your contract to set clear boundaries on what is included in your service and to define in more detail what isn't included. This means clear, precise language about the amount time you will be spending on the project and what cooperation you need from your client in order to do the best job possible.
SITUATION: Someone wants to hire you or your company and tries to talk down your rate or price to a level where the job is only marginally profitable, or will take an inordinate amount of time. You think you need to accept because you feel guilty saying NO and turning down work.
SOLUTION: If you don't value your worth as an expert; if you don't believe you are providing significant value to your clients; if you don't have a clear understanding of how to reach your profit goals–who will? Go for ideal clients, or at least clients who really value what you do for them and say NO to the rest. You will end up with a more profitable business, and you'll be happier and much less stressed.
SITUATION: You are asked to serve on a committee or on the board of a business association and you feel overwhelmed at the idea and the time it will take. You feel guilty saying NO, worrying that you will offend or be looked upon poorly.
SOLUTION; You need to have a lifestyle plan that includes time for all priority activities first, like serving clients, marketing, family time etc. After that, if there's time to spare, go ahead and sign up. If not, politely explain that you're flattered, but that you'll need to consider it in the future as you feel you couldn't do the quality job that the organization needs done at this time because of time constraints.
SITUATION: You have an employee or virtual assistant who is no longer an asset to your business. She is costing you time and frustration but you keep putting off saying no to her continued employment with you.
SOLUTION: You're not helping her by avoiding the inevitable. She may no longer be a fit for your business. Let her move in to a job that is a better fit. Your business changes and so do your needs. As difficult as it is to let her go, do it in a professional and compassionate way and move on.
I think you're getting the drift here. Try saying NO on time demands that give you a knot in the pit of your stomach and suddenly you'll begin to feel more powerful and in control of your business and your life.
True entrepreneurs have mastered this.
Just Say No and See Your Business Grow - To learn more about this author, visit Janis Pettit's Website.
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I guess it's just human nature to want others to like us and think well of us. We are brought up to conform, be polite and meet the expectations of the important or powerful people in our lives. We women are especially indoctrinated with these expectations and sometimes we feel we're letting people down if we say NO.
However the inability to say NO can become a real hindrance in our businesses. There are certain times when saying NO is essential in order for us to move forward. But often we hesitate, even when we know that NO is the right answer to someone's request, whether it be a family member, a client, an organization, or even a charity.
Here are some ways saying No can help your business grow:
SITUATION: You have a client who always wants you to do more for them than the work that's clearly spelled out in your contract, and they want you to do it without charging them extra. I've had this situation come up both in my business and with my clients. There are several ways you can say no and prevent this from happening in the future.
SOLUTION: Tell them you'd be happy to do the work and exactly how much extra that would cost. If they seem unhappy, review the contract with them and explain that their request was not included in the scope of the work they paid for. If instead, you agree to do the extra work without getting paid, you de-value your time and you train them to do the same with you again, or with someone else.
To avoid this happening in the future, continue to refine the language in your contract to set clear boundaries on what is included in your service and to define in more detail what isn't included. This means clear, precise language about the amount time you will be spending on the project and what cooperation you need from your client in order to do the best job possible.
SITUATION: Someone wants to hire you or your company and tries to talk down your rate or price to a level where the job is only marginally profitable, or will take an inordinate amount of time. You think you need to accept because you feel guilty saying NO and turning down work.
SOLUTION: If you don't value your worth as an expert; if you don't believe you are providing significant value to your clients; if you don't have a clear understanding of how to reach your profit goals–who will? Go for ideal clients, or at least clients who really value what you do for them and say NO to the rest. You will end up with a more profitable business, and you'll be happier and much less stressed.
SITUATION: You are asked to serve on a committee or on the board of a business association and you feel overwhelmed at the idea and the time it will take. You feel guilty saying NO, worrying that you will offend or be looked upon poorly.
SOLUTION; You need to have a lifestyle plan that includes time for all priority activities first, like serving clients, marketing, family time etc. After that, if there's time to spare, go ahead and sign up. If not, politely explain that you're flattered, but that you'll need to consider it in the future as you feel you couldn't do the quality job that the organization needs done at this time because of time constraints.
SITUATION: You have an employee or virtual assistant who is no longer an asset to your business. She is costing you time and frustration but you keep putting off saying no to her continued employment with you.
SOLUTION: You're not helping her by avoiding the inevitable. She may no longer be a fit for your business. Let her move in to a job that is a better fit. Your business changes and so do your needs. As difficult as it is to let her go, do it in a professional and compassionate way and move on.
I think you're getting the drift here. Try saying NO on time demands that give you a knot in the pit of your stomach and suddenly you'll begin to feel more powerful and in control of your business and your life.
True entrepreneurs have mastered this.
Just Say No and See Your Business Grow - To learn more about this author, visit Janis Pettit's Website.
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Kim CastleWith nearly two decades in the advertising and design business, with clients like Domino's Pizza, General Motors, Direct TV, Pedigree, Wolfgang Puck, Higher Octave Music, Hollywood Celebrity Products, Disney, and Paramount, as well as thousands of entrepreneurs around the world define, structure, communicate, and position their business for greater profits, BrandU(R) co-creators Kim Castle and W. Vito Montone discovered that entrepreneurs could experience the same power that big brands command for a fraction of the cost with the world's only process-based results-drive Integral approach to business creation. BrandU(R) is helping entrepreneurs grow with the power of extreme clarity from idea...to brand...to market(TM) and helping one million entrepreneurs become successful and whole so that they can make a difference in the world. Are you one of them? If you want to experience clarity all the way to the bank(TM), get started now at http://www.brandu.com. - Visit Kim Castle's Website |
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David BarrDavid Barr is the President of Venture Opportunities, Inc. David has been a professional business broker/intermediary since 1980 focusing on General Business Brokerage and Mergers and Acquisitions representing client transaction value from $400,000 to $20,000,000. Mr. Barr has handled the sale of over four hundred and fifty companies. David earned a university degree from the State University of New York majoring in economics and business. David holds the Mergers and Acquisition Master Intermediary and the Certified Business Intermediary designations from the International Business Brokers Association. He is also a Senior Business Analyst and a Texas licensed Real Estate Agent. For more information about David and Venture Opportunities, visit www.bizdealmaker.com. - Visit David Barr's Website |
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Anne BarrAnne Barr has over 26 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 367 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the International Franchise Association, Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right "fit" in business ownership. Visit www.FranchiseOpportunitySpecialist.com for more information about me and my company. - Visit Anne Barr's Website |
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David AchesonDavid Acheson is the founder of DCJA Consultancy. DCJA Consultancy is a management consultancy business specialising in B2B sales consultancy. They offer bespoke and packaged sales consultancy including Sales Optimisation Review, Interim Sales Management, Sales & Marketing Review, 1:1 Sales & Management Staff Analysis, Management Training, Solution Sales Training, Creation of New Pay Plan, KPI's, run Customer Feedback Campaigns, assist with Recruitment, Coaching, Appraisals and set up Strategic Marketing Campaigns. David spent his early career in accountancy and then moved into sales in 1982, working in Office Equipment, IT, Advertising, Training, Outsourcing and Consultancy. He has held many Senior Positions in SMBs and Global Organisations including Head of Sales Operations & Head of Business Development. His knowledge, skills and great experience of the Sales Industry has led to David making keynote speeches and running educational sessions to key businesses through organisations including The Chamber of Commerce and Business Link. - Visit David Acheson's Website |
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Leanne Hoagland-SmithAre your sales where you want them to be? Will you be one of the few who achieves sales or business success or one of the many who have failed to change? Are you tired of being told you are like everyone else? Then you may find my first book on sales of interest. Be the Red Jacket in the Sea of Gray Suits, The Keys to Unlocking Sales available at Amazon or at http://www.processspecialist.com/red-jacket.htm. This book is a reflection of my no-nonsense approach to improving sales to overall business results. If you are truly committed to making sustainable changes, then I can help you secure a positive return on your investment because I focus on executable solutions not telling you the problems you already know you have. From training to corporate (group) coaching to executive one on one coaching, my approach is to assess, create awareness, build a goal driven action plan and then execute. The bottom line question is "Not do you or your employees know it, but do you or they want to do it?" Please call for a free strategy session at 219.759.5601. - Visit Leanne Hoagland-Smith's Website |
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Cheryl MatthynssensCheryl is a life skills coach, licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a 20 year entrepreneur. Cheryl's dedication to achieving a life of balance led to her expanding her teaching from the simple managing of life's daily challenges to adding financial well being as well. A direct marketer with DrinkACT, she is gaining ground in the online community with her concepts of making sure business owners, entreprenuers and employees have well rounded life styles. She opened up a small affiliate site - The Balance Guide- to help others find resources for mental and emotional well being. Visit Cheryl's blog to see more of the diversity beyond business she has began offering online at www.thebalanceguide.blogspot.com - Visit Cheryl Matthynssens's Website |
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