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When Should You Say No?

no

When entrepreneurs first start out, they are at the mercy of their customers. You need the sales, and you may have to get creative to make the sale and then maintain the relationship. You may find yourself catering to the needs of your customers and clients in ways you never expected. Whether you are answering emails late at night, offering incentives with purchases, taking back used products and doing other things you may not necessarily want to do, it’s helpful to remember that going the extra mile often pays off.

However, you will reach a point where it is both necessary and acceptable to say no. You will reach a point where you do not have to bow to the whim of every difficult client, and there are times you must establish boundaries for your own sanity and for the good of your company. You can say yes until you reach the point where you can no longer do it, and then you can give yourself permission to say no.

The word “no” has a negative connotation, but it’s really more about deciding what’s best for your current situation and long-term objectives. Instead of thinking of it as a bad thing, think of it as a positive since you’re in a place now where you don’t have to say “yes” at every turn. The word “no” is a powerful tool when you know how to use it in the right way.

Using the word “no” doesn’t make you a jerk or a bad business owner. When you decline in the right way, you can still be gracious and professional. Your responsibility is to your company, your co-workers and yourself, and this means it will be prudent to learn how to say no in situations where it’s fully justified and appropriate.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC