Biz Notes: Sometimes Saying No Means Saying Yes

Did you ever have to say no to something that you really didn’t want to?

I did, just last week. And it was for a job.

As a new business owner- one job, one client, one order, etc can really make or break things. When I’m deep in a project or busy with client work it can be hard to see beyond that, and hard to make time to continually market myself or seek out additional work. Once an event happens or a client relationship ends, there’s no guarantee I’ll have more work lined up. It’s a constant balance, which I’m still very much learning to master. But last week I faced another dimension to this challenge.

Right now Clara Persis Events is just me. I don’t have anyone working for me. Things have gotten intense at times, and managing all my work has been a bit of a juggling act, but I think that sort of comes with the territory of owning your business and working in general, right? Last week, though, was the first time I had to say no to a client because I simply couldn’t manage the work in conjunction with my other clients on my own. Part of me wanted to scramble and get someone to help but I knew in my gut that was not the right way to go- that I would likely be sacrificing quality of service if I did that. So I had to turn down the work.

My stomach was in knots over the whole thing. I couldn’t help feeling like maybe I made the wrong decision. I brought it up to some of the girls I share an office space with this Monday to see if they had ever been in that situation. There was a resounding “yes,” so it’s nice to know I’m not alone. But one of them in particular said something that really struck me. She said that in some ways, by saying no to a project or job, you’re saying yes to your business. You’re saying yes to the fact that you control this business and have the right to take it in whatever direction you see fit. So while saying no was very very hard for me, I was simultaneously saying yes to the fact that I want to make solid intentional partnerships and not rush the hiring process, that I want to consistently operate from a quality over quantity stand point, and in order to maintain that level of quality I must do my best to care for my mental health. In the end, all of those decisions are best for not just me, but the client, too.  So while the whole experience was really tough, I feel confident in my decision- in a way, I definitely feel like I said yes.

Ps: And don’t worry, if you’re thinking I should get an intern, believe me- it’s on my to do list!