5 Ways to Say No

Everyone knows that flexibility is a good trait to have in business, but whatever your field, there are times you need to say “No.” Sometimes it’s to an employee, sometimes it’s even to a client. Whether you are facing scope creep, unpaid invoices, or too many last-minute changes, there are times when you need to be less flexible. These five ideas can help you say no, and feel good about doing so.

1. No Excuses

When someone offers an excuse or a reason for saying no, it’s easy to argue with that excuse or reason. Sometimes, if you really need to stay firm on a decision, offering it without a reason may be your best choice. You’ve probably seen this at play in your personal life. Offering reasons often opens the door to more discussion and argument. Sometimes, that’s a good thing, but not always.

2. Blame the Expert

Have you ever had a client try and convince you to start work before giving you a contract? What about the client that wants you to keep working even though he hasn’t paid you for previous work? Your ultimate job is to make a client happy and that can make saying “no” to clients difficult. In these situations it can be much easier to place the blame on someone else, “I’d love to get started, but my lawyer would kill me.” “I’m sorry, my AR department is getting really strict about finishing up old invoices before starting new ones.” “I trust you, but my business manager insists that all new clients fill out a credit report.”

3. Make it a Positive

One thing good salespeople know is that it’s very hard for someone to make an argument against their own best interests. If possible, try and present your “no” as a positive to the client. “Those are great ideas, but if we add them on now we’ll be behind with our plan. I know it’s important to you for us to stay on plan and meet our goals for the year. Right?” Once the client agrees that staying on schedule is a goal of hers, it is harder for her to argue that you should do something that will put you behind schedule.

4. Propose an Alternative Option

Don’t want to agree to provide all the financing for a friend’s new business? Don’t have time to “meet for coffee” and give away the secrets of your business? Can’t afford to give that employee a raise? Make a different proposal. Offer resources on alternative financing, offer a perk instead of a raise. By proposing an alternative option you’re being helpful, without agreeing to something you don’t want to, or can’t, do.

5. Be Sparing in Your Nos

There are times when it’s ok to bend a rule or break a deadline. If your clients, employees, or friends know that you’re willing to be flexible when necessary, they’ll be much more likely to respect your “no,” when necessary.  

Flexibility is an important part of any business, but not knowing when and how to stay firm can put a business in jeopardy.