Saying no is hard.
There are two types of ‘no.’
There is tactical ‘no’ when someone is trying to steal your time.
Then, there is strategic ‘no’ to opportunities.
The first ‘no’ takes practice.
We don’t want to let people down or feel uncomfortable.
We say ‘yes’ when people ask for a minute here and a minute there.
Eventually, you realize time is the only currency and is more valuable than anything else.
the tactical ‘no’
Mastering the tactical ‘no’ is slightly uncomfortable, but not all that bad.
You have to find a way to be tactful with ‘no,’ but once you master that skill, it’s easy.
Example:
Person #1: "Jerred, let’s hop on a quick 30-min call to discuss."
Me: "Before we schedule that call, put all your thoughts in an email and shoot it my way. We can decide next steps from there."
Person #2: "Let me buy you a cup of coffee and pick your brain."
Me: "Let me know exactly what you may need help with right now and I’ll send a few resources your way."
I love helping people. Honestly, I do.
But people rarely need my undivided attention to solve their problem. When people ask for help and want resources from me, I normally put some amount of work back on them. I.e.; write an email with organized thoughts, critically think about what your current issue is, or read this book before we chat.
If they can take that first step, I may take the next step.
If they can’t take that step, they never really wanted help. They know they need help, but they aren’t willing to take action.
And, if that’s true, time with them will not be well spent for either party.
the tactical ‘no’ framework
[!simple framework]
if someone asks for your time, give them work.
Now, let’s move to the strategic ‘no,’ as this one will never be easy. Ever.
the strategic ‘no’
Hard work will yield results. Always.
The problem is where you focus that effort.
For example…
- I know how to market and sell things.
- I know how to run a business.
- I know how to work hard.
- And I like coffee.
Maybe, I should work hard, create a business, and market and sell COFFEE!!!
I have no doubt I would succeed, to some level, in selling coffee.
But I shouldn’t sell coffee.
That’s a strategic ‘no.’
That’s also an easy example.
But what if you have a successful brick and mortar business and now you want to focus your time and attention on growing an online business?
You would succeed at some level, no doubt.
But the quote, "the man who chases two rabbits catches neither," is always in the back of my mind.
The strategic ‘no’ is much harder because you aren’t wrong in saying ‘yes.’
You will succeed.
But at some point, you have to move from checkers to chess.
- Can you say ‘no’ to a six-figure opportunity to pursue a seven-figure opportunity?
- Can you say ‘no’ to a seven-figure opportunity to pursue an eight-figure opportunity?
- Can you say ‘no’ to an eight-figure opportunity to pursue a nine-figure opportunity?
Here’s what I’ve learned with strategic ‘no’ so far.
the strategic ‘no’ framework
[!simple framework]
First, know your goal.Second, assess your current opportunity vehicle (your business type and potential).
Will it take you to the goal?
- If no, change opportunity vehicle.
- If yes, then focus on nothing else.
The above is unbelievably difficult.
If your opportunity vehicle is too small to achieve your goals, you need a new opportunity (business).
That’s incredibly hard…
If your opportunity vehicle is correct, you have to say ‘no’ to anything else.
That’s incredibly hard….
i.e. the brick and mortar business shouldn’t start the online side of the business until you realize your current opportunity is maxed out.
Saying no is hard, but necessary.
try harder,
JM