Know when to say “NO”

I don’t care what industry you are in or what you do for a living, knowing when and how to say “NO” is one of the most important tools within your reach.   We, Internet marketers, (and yes….if you blog, twitter, facebook or whatever it is that you do on line…you are an Internet Marketer), are known to be generous, giving and a “sharing type” of people.

We like to provide useful information in our blogs, we are happy to help and are easily available for the most part.  But when does it become too much?  Take a look at this email I received yesterday:

I just stumbled across your articles online trying to find out more about buying a historic home here in Miami.  I’ve found then quite interesting.  I recently found a house that I am in love with in that was built in 1910.  It obviously needs a lot of work.  I have stopped by to see the outside of the house and am planning on scheduling an appointment with my realtor for later this week.  …..  Also buying a house this old I am extremely concerned about structural integrity and electrical/plumbing issues.  Do you have inspectors that you would recommend?  Please let me know if you have ANY tips!

Here’s a person that found my information helpful, is working with another agent and wants even more help from me (including my resources).  I responded that their agent should have a good list of resources to help them and could not interfere with their established fiduciary relationship (that was easy).  But of course I wanted to say “If you think your agent can’t provide the information you need to make an educated decision about your purchase….then it may be time to get another agent” —->didn’t go there though.

But what about our colleagues that ask for help and may not be so transparent about it?  The ones that ask to borrow your credibility and then burn you when you turn your back?  Maybe I’m overreacting but the Leo in me is always watchful and unfortunately not very forgetful. (please don’t go all paranoid on me now and try to figure out “was it me that hurt Ines’ feelings” – I’m trying to make a point here).

Saying NO is a powerful tool

You don’t have to feel bad when you say “no” and people will respect you for it.  There are some people on the web that know they don’t even have to ask and they will have my support – they have proven to me over and over again that their intentions are pure and they always reciprocate.

Being accessible as Realtors is also an important part of business – but when do you say “no” to a clients’ unreasonable expectations?  Do you drop your son’s baseball game to show them a property? Are you at everyone’s beckon call and your life becomes secondary?

Set expectations and goals

I used to think it was about communicating my expectations to those around me and realized that’s not it at all.  It’s about setting expectations for yourself and knowing your own limitations.  Once you do that, it’s easy to communicate these in a polite and professional way that will only increase your reputation and influence amongst your peers, your family and your clients.

It used to be about peer pressure….guess what?….it still is 🙂