🚀 Say "Yes" to saying "No" 🚀

Say "Yes" to saying "No"

We've all been taught that saying "yes" is a lot more inviting and powerful than saying no. In business, we are encouraged to say yes to new opportunities and projects to expand our horizon and boost revenue. Many entrepreneurs hesitate to say no because they don't want to be seen as closed-minded or difficult to deal with. 

But I would argue, sometimes saying NO is the smartest business move to make you more powerful and your business more lucrative.

Here are 4 reasons why we should say yes to saying NO: 

1. Protect your most expensive asset: TIME 

Every day you work on something you're unsure of is a day you are not using towards your goal. This also means don't spend too much time waiting around for an answer. If the other party is unwilling to honor your time with a clear and timely YES or NO, then consider saying NO. Remember, time is your most expensive asset. Unless they have already signed the dotted line, no potential client is obligated to pay your waiting time. 

2. Boundary Setting

By saying no, you're sending a clear message of what you can and are willing to do. By setting clear parameters, you and your counterpart will have greater confidence on how to move the relationship forward. Your resolute "no" can reduce people's frustration of second-guessing how they should behave around you or expect from you. 

3. Respect yourself and others 

Turning down a project you aren't interested in or capable of doing is a self-respecting gesture. Moreover, by saying no, you are respecting your counterpart's time and energy. Your rejection allows them to quickly pivot and use the time to court other potential partners. By keeping someone waiting or being incommunicado is a sure reputation killer for you and your brand. 

4. It shows maturity and reliability 

When you can end a relationship that is clearly not working, you are displaying high-level maturity and you are showing your team they can rely on you to protect their time and energy. Saying no can be scary because we don't ever want to burn bridges. But when you dare to walk away at the risk of offending the person, you are leaning in on your instinct. Instinct is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets. 

5. When "No" means "Yes" 

By saying no to a less ideal situation, you are saying yes to new possibilities. Letting go means clearing more space in your life to explore new things and foster new connections. 

Lastly, having the courage and the skill to say NO is not the same as being difficult or negative. On contrary, it can be a very positive force in your career to protect your time, energy and mental wellbeing. By being selective with your yeses, you are making it easier for people to work with you because they'll know exactly what to expect from you. People will thank you for saying no.