Give Yourself Permission to Say “No”!
Entrepreneurs dream of becoming known and having requests pour in. Over the years, as people see you in action determined to succeed, those very requests start to flow. The requests are slow at first but then it seems as if a floodgate opens with too many requests. How to diplomatically handle all of these is the dilemma.
The problem is that sometimes the requests are not to your benefit but to the benefit of others. While it is important to help as many as you can willingly, and very often without receiving anything in return, there is a fine line between doing this and knowing when your time is being infringed upon. Be of the mindset to review each request to see if it fits within your guidelines such as time allotment for delivery. Questions to consider include whether a money outlay is required, a need to contribute expertise or make introductions… The list continues on what may be requested of you.
Your best practice is to maintain the professionalism of your personal brand. Prior to accepting, put qualifiers on the request such as, “I will be happy to help but only if I may do so in a month’s time due to a hectic schedule.” Should anything sound unreasonable, question it. And, if required, decline the opportunity. I’m a strong proponent of incorporating community service into your business plan, but when you feel taken advantage of, it’s time to say, “I’m unable to help in this regard.”
As a job seeker or entrepreneur, people will see your consistency in all you do and this is what builds your personal brand. In so doing, it will positively affect your business development and accordingly, your marketing and sales too.
Clearly defining where you are headed and what you are easily able to do. This philosophy empowers the Smooth Sale!
Read Addtional Strategies and Techniques:
Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results, Sourcebooks
HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews, Career Press
