Being a small-business owner isn’t easy. You’re always making decisions that are best for the business and ensuring that opportunities are ceased and not missed. But when too many options present themselves, it’s important to remember you don’t have to say “yes” to everything. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. One of the most important lessons you’ll learn as a business owner is learning how to say “no.”
Here are four reasons why saying “no” can actually help your business thrive:
1. It saves energy
Knowing when to say no will not only save you energy, it will also help you feel empowered in your business. Most business owners think time is their biggest asset, but it’s actually energy. It’s about learning how to utilize your energy to be the most productive you can be, and this can’t happen if you say yes to every opportunity that arises.
2. Learn to say no to clients and customers that don’t serve you
It’s often easy to fall into the trap of wanting to be all things to all people, but when you’re running your own business, it’s just not possible. It’s important to be really clear on the products or services you provide as well as the best clients and customers to provide these too. Focus on your target market that will love and appreciate what you do, and they will become your biggest fans and potentially lead to more referrals for your business. It’s okay to politely decline clients or customers that aren’t positively contributing to your cause – whatever it may be.
3. Say no to things outside of your business
When you’re running a small business, it can easily take over your life. You don’t want to lose a lot of energy or time by saying yes to things in your personal life that you quite frankly don’t really want to do. Overcommitting yourself will lead to overwhelm and burnout – and this is something you want to avoid at all costs. But make sure you make time for activities and things that will energise you – whether it’s a pump class, a walk on the beach or some family time. Saying no to commitments that don’t fuel you and your journey as a small-business owner will be the best decision you ever make.
4. Know when it’s okay to outsource
As a small-business owner, you might think that doing certain tasks yourself is the most efficient and cost effective way. Most of the time, it ends up being more costly and you could have spent your time better elsewhere. Anything that someone else can do cheaper and more productively should be outsourced. This will allow you to focus on the tasks you need to do to continue to grow your business.
Vanessa Bennett, CEO, Next Evolution Performance
