How to Discover If You’re Saying Yes Too Often

• You find yourself doing projects you don’t actually offer. For example, you’re a wedding stationery designer, who offers wedding stationery design services — but because you’re a designer, friends, family, and prospective clients ask you to do brand design. You say yes, because you’re capable of designing a brand — and you find yourself busy doing projects you don’t actually offer or want to offer.
• You are too busy and swamped with client work. You’re afraid to miss out on potential revenue, so you say yes to too many projects and are now busy and swamped with client work. Having work to do can be a sign of success — but it can also be a sign you’ve said yes to too many projects at once.
• You feel like you don’t have time to get back to the parts of your business you do love. We love the quote, “When you say yes to the wrong things, you’re saying no to the right things.” This is so true! If you’ve been saying yes to things that bring you further and further from the business you love running — it’s time to learn how to say no and get back to what you do best!

So, if you find yourself experiencing these hiccups in your business — don’t worry! You’re not alone. Today, we’re excited to share how to say “no” kindly and professionally.

How to Say “No” Kindly and Professionally

1. First, remember saying no doesn’t need to be an “all or nothing” decision. When you say no to someone, remember, saying no doesn’t need to be an all or nothing decision. Maybe there is a happy medium you can arrive at. Maybe there is an alternative you can present. So many creative business owners we’ve spoken with have said “I’m a people pleaser.” Keep in mind, pleasing people is about doing the right thing for them — helping to put them in a better place than they were when they first reached out to you. Sometimes, this means you’ll serve them directly. Other times, this means you’ll present a better option to them. Be open to the idea that saying no isn’t a bad thing — it can actually be helpful!
2. Next, provide a reason why. Provide a reason why you’re saying no. Often times at With Grace and Gold, we begin this explanation with “At this time, our offerings include…” Or, “At this time, we are focusing wholeheartedly on…” That way, we’re sharing the reason why we’re unable to help someone. Knowing why can provide peace of mind, and it can also help to clarify what you do offer.
3. Lastly, provide an alternative. Lastly, provide an alternative option. “At this time, our offerings include only full design experiences. Here, we’ve provided our recommendations for talented fellow designers who can serve you through…” Always provide an alternative so that your decision to say no is still rooted in your desire to serve and uplift the person who you’re saying no to.

We are so hopeful these tips help to guide you toward saying “Yes” to all the right things in your business journey!

Since 2014, With Grace and Gold has provided brand and web design for creative small business owners. Hire With Grace and Gold or shop With Grace and Gold’s pre-made designs and Showit website templates – and come away with an elevated brand and web design for your small business!