The Power of No

No.

It’s hard to say for many in their personal lives. Nearly impossible for an even larger number of people in their professional lives. But this two-letter word can give you credibility and respect when used in the right way.

If you are a business, marketing , or consultant of any kind, the client’s best interests should drive your strategy and recommendations. Ethically, it is your responsibility as the expert consultant to say no to a client’s idea if you know that it won’t succeed or work to further their organizational goals. For some clients, a large part of your job will be saying no, developing alternatives, and redirecting their efforts. This may mean you make a few strong-willed clients angry—and even lose a few. But by explaining the reason behind your no and providing a new solution, your relationship with clients who truly understand the process will be strengthened.

In the end, those consultants (your competitors) who say yes to a poorly designed marketing campaign or idea may win the client in the short term, but will fail to retain them over time.

Trust your skills and the power of no. As a result, your clients will trust you.