As a business leader, you’ll have to say “no” a lot, whether to a worker, a customer, or a potentially valuable business opportunity. However, it may be difficult for some leaders to refuse a request without disappointing others.
Because rejecting people down is often a component of a frontrunner’s job description, it’s critical to have a positive attitude about saying “no” and understand that it all boils down to making the best business decision possible. Eight members of the Young Entrepreneur Council offered their best advice on becoming comfortable saying “no” to help you achieve that.
Members of the Younger Entrepreneur Council provide advice on learning to say “no” as a trailblazer.
1. Treat the ‘No’ as though it were a ‘Yes.’
Instead of seeing it as a “no,” think of it as a “sure” to whatever you’re saving that point for. This might mean more time for sections of your small company where you’re more likely to make a profit or more time to rest and recharge with family and friends, so you don’t burn out operating your small business. Bend Law Group, PC, Doug Bend
2. What You Say Is Implied
Allow your “sure” to remain “sure” and your “no” to stay “no.” Allow your words to have dignity, so you only speak what you intend and don’t carelessly spout empty platitudes. Assume ultimately, and if you need more time to think things through, permit yourself to do so. Finally, be responsible for your yeses so that when the time comes to say “no,” you’ll be truthful and bold. Daisy Jing, author of Banish
3. Say ‘No’ as soon as possible
As an entrepreneur or business owner, saying “no” is a crucial skill. A lousy customer or one who isn’t a good match for your organization might be much more damaging to your company than a great customer! No matter how big or beneficial a prospect is, learning to say “no” and saying it early may save your team time, money, and energy. Sparkhouse’s Torrey Takenaka
4. Recognize that saying “no” may lead to business success.
To change your thinking about saying “no,” consider how doing so may help you be more productive and lucrative in your small company. When you realize this and have said “no” a few times, you’ll see that it’s good to let people down on occasion. Furthermore, just though you previously said “no” to someone doesn’t mean you can’t maintain the relationship and, sooner or later, say “yes.” Money Crashers Personal Finance’s Andrew Schrage
5. Keep your goals in mind. Clear
I understand that “shiny object syndrome” is frequent among entrepreneurs, but you must stay focused on your goals and stay on track. Saying “no” is only a problem if you consider it a potentially lousy option. It isn’t the case. You must be able to stick to the strategy if you want to progress. Otherwise, you will not be able to go anywhere. As a result, saying “no” merely moves you closer to your holiday destination. It’s the same as driving along the interstate without making turns other than slamming on the brakes. — OneIMS’ Solomon Thimothy
6. Examine the Price
I tell people “no” lots of the time. I’ve seen that I need to have a clear path to be as essential as possible. So, for anything that isn’t helping me transfer in that direction, I tell them “no.” For example, I work in the real estate investment advertising and marketing field, where I help real estate investors with their marketing. In addition, I invest in real estate. I have to say no to any advertising and marketing customers that come to me in various sectors (outside of real estate). It’s because I consider it to be valuable. If I were to take them on, the task would be outside my skill set. That ultimately proves to be a benefit since it takes more time for me to figure out how to cope with their purpose than it does for me to concentrate on what I do. Motivated Leads’ Bryan Driscoll
7. Keep this in mind The Various Approaches to Saying “No.”
You will learn to say “no” a lot easier if you understand how terrible it is to disappoint others or stress yourself out constantly. Saying no should be done more often to ensure the quality of your job, your schedule, and your mental health. When the guilt and need to say “sure” starts to set in, do whatever it takes to remind yourself of this. Keep in mind that your small company’s well-being always comes first, and you don’t have to feel accountable for that. — The Spanish Group LLC’s Salvador Ordorica
8. Re-evaluate your company’s mission, vision, and values.
After falling out of harmony with the company’s increased role, most executives lose sight of how to make decisions. Leaders make better decisions when establishing limits and focusing on the purpose, vision, and values. For instance, while I’m working on our company’s goal of distrusting the field of dietetics and increasing the number of private practice operators (among certified dietitians), I remember to say “no” to options that don’t correspond with this vision. For example, we’ve devised a strategy to create a lower-ticket offer to appeal to a broader audience. We’ve aligned our marketing efforts to attract more dietitians and aid them in establishing a business. Any solutions that aren’t in line with our goals are a definite “no.” Dietitian Boss Libby Rothschild
