Posted by Terri Zwierzynski under Customer Service,
January 25, 2008

Envision the scenario: You've just been asked at the last minute by Chris, the organizer of your local networking group, to replace the scheduled speaker at next month's meeting. You already have too many commitments on your plate. Imagine your response:
You: "Well, I don't think I'd have enough time to prepare. I'm awfully sorry. I wish I could help you!."
Chris: "Your last speech was super'maybe you could just talk some more about that topic? I,d really appreciate it!"You: "I'm glad you liked it--maybe I could do it"
Chris: "Oh that would be great! Just let me know the title"
How might you feel about doing this speech? You might feel stressed or resentful. You might not be at your best when you do the speech. Other work that you'd really like to be doing might suffer.
Now imagine a different response:
You: "No, I can't be prepared on such short notice. I know how hard it is to find someone." Alex speaks on a variety of topics and I think she could fill in for you. I'll give you her number."
Chris: "Thanks! That will really help."
This is a win-win-win: Alex gets an opportunity to speak (her specialty), Chris gets a speaker, and you aren't saddled with a commitment you don,t want--plus, you,ve probably earned some good will from both Alex and Chris. What a difference!
Whether you are saying no to a collaborator asking you to do something, or saying no to a potential client that you really don't want to have, the ability to say no gracefully is a key skill when you are in business as a solo entrepreneur. Here are four quick steps to learning this skill:
Saying "no" gives you freedom. It is a way of honoring both yourself and the person you are saying "no" to. Learn to do it well, and you will earn the respect of others--and yourself!
Terri Zwierzynski is a self-employed business strategist and marketing consultant to solo entrepreneurs, and a grassroots promoter of the solo entrepreneur lifestyle. She runs Solo-E.com, the resource website for the self-employed which attracts thousands of solo home business owners monthly from over 100 countries on six continents (and was recently named a finalist for “Website of the Year” in the 4th Annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business). Terri is also the co-author of 136 Ways To Market Your Small or Solo Business.
Great post! As someone who's probably said no in ways that weren't really graceful these tips will be quite helpful. best
Posted by: Bold Lentil at January 26, 2008 7:43 AM
In my particular company, saying no is hard. But your post reminded me that it is also right. I'm emailing this to our entire leadership team. Thank you!
Posted by: HEATHER at January 28, 2008 2:15 AM
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