How to say “No”

The most effective time saving strategy of all is the use of the word “No”.

Although not always possible to do so, you don’t have to offer a long winded explanation about why you can’t do something, and you’ll quickly find that the most effective time saving strategy of all is the use of the word “No”.

If you can’t say no, you lose control of your life. You can’t protect your priorities unless you learn to tactfully and firmly refuse the requests of other people that don’t lead you to the achievement of your goals.

Small Business Operators quite often have to carry out a whole swag on non-management type duties, simply because they are the boss… NOT TRUE!

In fact, you must be able to use the time resource effectively, or things will go quickly downhill.

You do not have the time to take on all these tasks yourself (See delegate).

Ask yourself “How does this task fit in with what I’m trying to achieve?” If it doesn’t, then ask “What part of what I AM doing will I have to cut out in order to carry out this task?” A fairly good argument (in most cases) for not doing it.

WHAT IS THE BEST USE OF MY TIME RIGHT NOW?

is a very useful question to ask yourself often during the day!

If you find the answer is always something other than what you are doing, then something is wrong with your whole approach.

You do need to take action and saying “NO” might just be the action needed!