Virtual Business Show #007 – Saying No
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Something many business owners struggle with is saying no to clients. They are worried they might be perceived as unprofessional, unhelpful, or run the risk of actually losing clients if they say no.
In the final part of our 4-part series I look at the importance of setting boundaries in your business – and for yourself – and why saying no is something we all, as business owners, need to do from time to time. And that’s okay!
If you have any questions on today’s show please feel free to contact me – or leave your comments below.
Hi Lyn and excellent podcast, great information for new Virtual Assistants. I can relate to a lot of what you are saying, I am very guilty of working 24/7, with me though its a case of a high volume of work and working the hours is the only way to get through but I do agree we need to have set hours. Excellent talk. regards Ali
by Ali
on 07. Sep, 2010
Hi Ali! So glad to see you checking out the show! Thanks for taking the time to comment. Working 24/7 is fine if that’s your business model
by execva
on 05. Oct, 2010
Now I have that typewriter music stuck in my head!
GREAT podcast Lyn. You are so honest and forthright and this is something many people need to consider. I am appalling with phones, so I only take on clients now who mainly utilise email – sounds strange, but it works for me and my clients because I am prompt when responding to email. Phone-dependent clients are sent to reliable VAs who love phones, because the client-VA relationship needs to be right and be valued, and I need to still love what I do!
by Rosie
on 05. Oct, 2010
So true Rosie – and it IS about doing what you love and are good at!
by execva
on 06. Oct, 2010
I have had this filed to listen to and finally got to it this evening. This is excellent Lyn and so valuable to any newbies to be guided to take on the ‘business owner’ mentality, rather than hanging onto the employee mentality. I think you hit the nail on the head, even with us who are not new to the industry. We are good at what we do because we are helpful and want to please, it’s what we do well & saying “No” doesn’t come naturally or easily. I’m getting better at it, especially this week when clients have come out of the wood work wanting last minute things done prior to Christmas!
by Kirsty Wilson
on 21. Dec, 2010
Thanks for your comments Kirsty! Yes this time of year in particular is a hard time to say no but it’s so very important. Mind you, I struggle with it myself since we do want to help clients prepare for their own breaks! Thanks for listening!
by Lyn Prowse-Bishop
on 22. Dec, 2010