One of the challenges of a small business and probably one of the most important is saying “no”. Saying “no” to potential clients. Saying “no” to ideas. Saying no to features. Saying “no” to growth. Saying “no” to scaling back. Saying “no” to low prices. Saying “no” to high prices. Saying “no” to distractions. Saying “no” when it just doesn’t feel right. Now don’t get me wrong. Almost every time we have said “no” we have done what we could to make sure the interaction was beneficial. And more times than not, everybody has been more grateful for us being honest upfront rather than wasting something even more valuable - time.

But there are just many times when it is necessary to say “no” and it is often times hard. Fear and guilt are two very powerful motivators to saying “yes” that you have to watch out for. Being a small company, you constantly are faced with keeping things afloat. And the pressure of keeping the work coming can cause you to squeak out the word “yes” even though you know deep down that it probably wasn’t right. 

We have over the three years of being in business said “no” to a lot more opportunities than we ever said “yes” to. I am ever so grateful that we have. It allowed us to stay focused on our initial clients. It allowed us to sharpen our skills. It allowed us to start growing our company in a way that felt right. Because ultimately, what you choose to do defines you and shapes your future.

I wish I could say that there was an exact science to how and when you should say “no”. If you have a good idea of your long-term goals, your capabilities, and the way that you like to work with people, then you have a start to a good decision making system.

Some other areas you may want to consider adding a little “no” to in your life. Reading every tweet, email, and blog post. Going to every social event. Or just maybe… that dessert or late-night snack.