It usually takes a while, but seasoned business owners tend to know the strategy of just saying “No”. You’ve probably heard this before, but here is what it really means:
Say “No” to Giving Away Your Time
Your time is one of the most valuable assets you have so why would you not protect it? The top ways to protect your time are:
- Eliminate distractions such as constantly checking emails, taking any and all phone calls, and disruptions from co-workers, employees and managers.
- Schedule meetings in batches or themes. Instead of allowing anyone to schedule a time to meet with you, specify certain times to do so. You can also schedule specific meeting types on specific days and/or times. This is why I am not a big fan of using a calendar scheduling app because you then lose control of being able to use your discretion when scheduling appointments.
Say “No” to Most Opportunities
When you’re first starting out in business, every new dollar counts, and you get excited about it. But over time you need to be more selective with the type of work and customers you take on.
- Customers who require significantly more time than your fees justify.
- Embarking on tasks and projects that are outside your normal expertise.
- Any opportunity that provides little to no profit, even if it’s a large customer.
Saying “No” to Bad Systems
Three questions to ask are:
- Why am I doing this and is it necessary?
- If necessary, who is the best person to perform this task?
- If necessary, can it be automated?
A related and opposite issue is to make sure you say “No” to new technology unless you can fully answer the questions above. Many times technology makes everything more complicated if there isn’t a clear purpose and outcome of using the technology