Do you have difficulty saying no to people? Are you looking for information when to say no to new business? This article will encourage you that saying no at times is good for you.

In the business world, we often encounter more “Nos” than “Yeses”. And in situations when we get a yes response, we are literally on our feet ready to pounce on them to sign the dotted line. However in the many ways like a client, we have the right to refuse business too. Awkward but at times it really is good for us especially when we have too much on our plate. This business guideline will give you equal prospective so that every deal that we initiate be a win-win situation for both parties.

A client who compromises your value system

Say no in business situations when it compromises your value system. Know yourself and know your limits. It’s not worth it to undermine your self-worth. Rhea was a friend of mine who worked in the pharmaceutical industry. The story began when she was closing on becoming the top sales medical representative for the year and was qualifying for a Paris trip. She was making millions for her company and making great commissions too until an incident happened that caused her job. A wholesaler one time approached her and collaborated with her by offering to buy her free samples and proposed a channeling deal for her line of medical drugs which was not allowed and unethical. She said she felt she was cheating but the deal was so good that it will guarantee her success. She took a shortcut to further increase her sales and to secure her status. Unfortunately, the company later found out and had an open investigation. The wholesaler gained something; she lost everything. She lost the trip, the number 1 status, and her job.

A client who has conflicting agenda and motives

Make sure you and your client are on the same page when you do business. This also happens in church situations. Years ago, our pastor accepted a member from another church without prior screening because according to him, all he wanted was an opportunity to serve in ministry. Little did our pastor know that he was a professional con artist. He initial began by volunteering around helping in church activities like group Bible studies, choir and church maintenance. A few weeks later our pastor found out that he was soliciting money from members and making a living for himself. He would make up stories like when his brother was in a hospital and needed financial support. He used the church and fed on it like a parasite. A few months later our pastor dismissed this man from our church.

A client who consumes too much time

There are types of clients that consume too much of our precious time. On some instances it’s alright to let it go but there are moments when you clearly must draw the line. A few years ago, I cooperated on a business program by volunteering to refer a potential candidate to a respected business educator. I scheduled a lunch meeting for her to meet my friend who worked in the airline industry. My friend agreed and expressed she was interested to listen. Noon came and there was still no sign of her. So I decided to call her up. She said she was still on her way. However an hour later, I called her up again and she was still on her way. It took 2 and half hours before she appeared. Our lunch meeting became an afternoon meeting. She never gave a valid reason and later on turned down the offer. I should have called her up and cancelled the meeting. Clearly it was waste of time. It was embarrassing as well.

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