I'd like to write about a VERY important topic. It's a little word but it's one so many of us in the Virtual Assistant community have trouble with. It's the word NO.
When was the last time you said the word no...
• to an unrealistic deadline?
• to a client that you really weren't that interested in working with?
• to a current client that you didn't really want to continue working with?
• to just working way too much?
• to a project that you really didn't have the skills to complete?
Let's face it - it's a common 'issue' amongst the Virtual Profession - we have a genuine interest in helping people - even if it means putting ourselves in a not-so-great situation. The problem is, when we continue saying yes to everything and everyone, we're really doing a disservice to them (and to ourselves also).
I'd like you to turn the negativeness of the word no into a positive. But how can you do that? Think of it this way:
When you say yes to every request, every client, everything.... you end up working all the time, you disappoint yourself by not sticking to your boundaries, you overwork yourself, you get tired and eventually you start to question whether it's all worth it.
Not to mention, you start to slip and your client's notice this... they become less and less satisfied, think you're not paying attention to detail and so on. Eventually a bit of tension may result in your client relationships.
So what if you said 'no' instead of yes to everything? Let's explore this....
You say no to an unrealistic request or deadline: You stick to your boundaries, your client starts to realize and understand they cannot make these kind of requests and they understand what you can and can't do.
You say no a potential new client who you're 'pit of the stomach' feeling says is not a good match: You avoid any uncomfortable situations with them, and realistically, by saying no, you are really saying "I'm not the right person to assist you - you would be better off working with someone who can really benefit you."
When you say no to a current client who you feel you can no longer (or don't want to work with): You are allowing them to work with someone who can better support them.
So next time you feel 'ick' about a situation, and before you say yes, listen to your gut and really determine if this is a 'yes' or a 'no' situation. It may be a bit challenging to say no at first, but over time it will get easier and easier and you will better for standing your ground and working within your own boundaries.
Remember, you are a professional and people come to you because of your expertise. Stand up tall, be confident and be clear about what you want.
When was the last time you said the word no...
• to an unrealistic deadline?
• to a client that you really weren't that interested in working with?
• to a current client that you didn't really want to continue working with?
• to just working way too much?
• to a project that you really didn't have the skills to complete?
Let's face it - it's a common 'issue' amongst the Virtual Profession - we have a genuine interest in helping people - even if it means putting ourselves in a not-so-great situation. The problem is, when we continue saying yes to everything and everyone, we're really doing a disservice to them (and to ourselves also).
I'd like you to turn the negativeness of the word no into a positive. But how can you do that? Think of it this way:
When you say yes to every request, every client, everything.... you end up working all the time, you disappoint yourself by not sticking to your boundaries, you overwork yourself, you get tired and eventually you start to question whether it's all worth it.
Not to mention, you start to slip and your client's notice this... they become less and less satisfied, think you're not paying attention to detail and so on. Eventually a bit of tension may result in your client relationships.
So what if you said 'no' instead of yes to everything? Let's explore this....
You say no to an unrealistic request or deadline: You stick to your boundaries, your client starts to realize and understand they cannot make these kind of requests and they understand what you can and can't do.
You say no a potential new client who you're 'pit of the stomach' feeling says is not a good match: You avoid any uncomfortable situations with them, and realistically, by saying no, you are really saying "I'm not the right person to assist you - you would be better off working with someone who can really benefit you."
When you say no to a current client who you feel you can no longer (or don't want to work with): You are allowing them to work with someone who can better support them.
So next time you feel 'ick' about a situation, and before you say yes, listen to your gut and really determine if this is a 'yes' or a 'no' situation. It may be a bit challenging to say no at first, but over time it will get easier and easier and you will better for standing your ground and working within your own boundaries.
Remember, you are a professional and people come to you because of your expertise. Stand up tall, be confident and be clear about what you want.