We don’t equate No as being a positive word especially in business but sometimes it is necessary for one to say it out loud. Being able to say No is essential to not waste time and productivity. It is also saves a lot of hearts ache for all parties involved.
Recently we experienced of bit of a run around by a potential customer. Samples of our t-shirt design kit were sent over promptly when requested. There was a lot of interest in it. Weeks went by without any updates. We usually checked in to see if there is other additional information that is needed for the decision making to be finalized. One of the numerous responses was that the samples were accidently left in Kuala Lumpur and did not make it to the island and so we had to wait for another couple of weeks. Finally after some time, we made another call and again, we were told that they have not decided on what hey wanted to do. To me that just means, they probably won’t take in the product. About half an hour later, came the email that confirmed our thoughts. They decided to take some ideas from our product but source it locally.
This is the thing, wouldn’t it be easier to just say No from the beginning? It is ok if a proposal doesn’t not go through. As a business, that is just part of the daily grind. Not everyone will say yes and not everyone will say no to your product. The fact that they have sourced out locally meant that they have decided not to take in our product much earlier. There is a slight ouch when you feel that your product is being copied. In our case, our stencils will always remain uniquely ours, just that they took an idea from it to cater to their needs. When the phone call was made, again we weren’t told right away. Email is the most convenient way to confront another party. Perhaps they think it would soften the blow. It is just simply a time waster and unnecessary space for the mind. It keeps us wondering what is going on. If the project is a no go, the best thing to say is “thank you for your time but we won’t be going ahead with it”. “No, the project is not going to happen”. Point taken and both parties will go on. Is that so hard?
Honestly is a good thing. Saying No is a good thing. It just means there are other opportunities elsewhere. We shouldn’t feel bad receiving the No as we should also have the courage to say it out loud.
Time is money, so let’s not waste each other’s time.
Thank you! Next!