In self employment, there are always times when you can’t seem to find enough work. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept every offer that comes. Learn how to say no.
When jobs are scarce and times are lean, you’re going to want to jump at every single self employment opportunity. After all, you do need money to survive. But you can’t always accept every offer – even when you might want to. There are lots of reasons why it might be better to lean how to say “no.”
Thanks, but…
You’re self employed, and that means your name is your greatest asset and your biggest calling card. Putting your name on something means you’re putting it out there for everyone to see, and in a business where reputation is everything it’s important to be careful about what you show off. Is the money worth the sacrifice of your own principles and reputation? Unless you’re absolutely desperate for some cash, don’t accept sub-par opportunities. You simply can’t accept every offer.
Say No
The follow-up is one of the most important aspects of the business of being self employed. Even when you get turned down for a job, you want to follow up with a thank-you card. Sometimes, you may end up getting a call in the future, because your thank-you effort stuck out in someone’s mind and something new has come up. Likewise, if you’re going to turn a job offer down, make sure you follow up by saying no – and tell them why you’re saying no. State your reasons, because you never know when they might present a second offer that’s more to your liking. Don’t get locked into a project or a job you can’t take pride in. You can’t accept every offer even when you want to – you have to show that you have some level of professional standards. You have to learn how to say no.
