NO. The most powerful word in your business. Pt 2

This is part 2 of 2 in using THE most powerful word in your life and business to produce freedom. Read part 1 on how hearing “No,” produces Freedom.

Freedom is worth dying for.

If the above statement is true, why do we continually give FREEDOM away?

First, freedom is worth dying for. On a larger scale, it’s why America sends troops across the world to fight (no matter what your politics are). It’s why we celebrate Independence Day, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving.

Second, we are giving our personal and business freedom away much too easily. I’m not talking about anything political. It’s much more personal.

I give my freedom away every time I say “Yes” without really taking into account what it will cost me or my family. Society and culture have conditioned us to be busy, so we automatically agree to things without contemplating how it will get done.

Using and hearing the word “No” is a valuable lesson in our lives. Read more one why hearing “No” is so important at the link above.

4 Things to say “No” to.

For sake of space, I’m only going to deal with business decisions. The same principles hold true for your personal life too.

1. Fads and trends – Not every new idea is right for you or your business. Just because something worked for photographer A doesn’t mean it will work for you. Fads and trends also change. Invest too heavily in one trend and it might be gone tomorrow – with all your time, effort and money.
2. Uncomfortable – you’re the boss, you need to feel comfortable with where your business is going. Don’t go down a road you don’t like. You may feel trapped later on.
3. Confusion – Make sure you truly understand what you are committing too (marketing ideas, sales concepts, purchases), ESPECIALLY when signing contracts. Understand the language and why.
4. Lack of resources – if you don’t have the time, money or people to do it (or a way to get them) you will lose freedom.

Read this fine print.

The list above could probably be several pages long based on each of our experiences, so this is the most important thought.

Know who you are.

Understand what you believe and why. Understand why you are doing what you are doing.

Knowing those things will help you say “NO” to the ideas thrown at you everyday that can sink you or your business. Knowing who you are will also allow you to carefully consider those things that may be a “YES.”

If you need some ways to help you simply define the “Why’s” of you and your business take a look at these 2 past posts.

• Define the why.
• Develop a belief statement.

I am currently re-packaging this presentation from spa Event 2011, and it will be available for download soon. You can pre-purchase it now for $19 (normal price is $29).

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