Creative Income

The blog dedicated to all things crafty business!

  • Home
  • About
  • Giveaways
    • Win a Ticket to Snap!
  • Newsletter
  • Free eBook
  • Join our Facebook Group

When to Say No in Business

September 25, 2012 by Maggie

Sometimes “No” is the most profitable thing you can say or do. Too many of us are your typical “Yes” people. We try to please everyone and often end up overworked and overscheduled. Saying Yes all the time can tire you out. I have a large sign above my office phone and it simply reads, “NO!” It’s a reminder to me that I shouldn’t get into the Yes mode without thinking all the opportunities through.

Here’s an example: I was offered a book deal a few years ago. As most writers, I wanted to say “yes” immediately and I did. After reviewing the contract (a very, very complicated contract), I figured out I was going to earn about one penny a word. I had to make the decision to either let my ego say “yes” so I could have another book under my belt or to say “no” to an opportunity (this opportunity) that, in the long run, would end up costing me money as I’d be stuck writing the book while other more profitable opportunities would have to be turned down.

With pain in my heart, I did say “No.” And I’m very glad I did, as another opportunity came my way that was much more profitable. I learned over time to stay calm, keep a poker face, and delay any impulsive decisions. Always remember that time and energy are worth money. Don’t waste either on jobs or offers that don’t pay you what you are worth!
One of my creative friends recently turned down a job saying that a week off to renew and rest was worth more than what the job offer was paying. As small businesses, we must always look ahead as well as engage in the present task. And sometimes saying, “No” is the best thing to say.
Interested in learning more about running your craft business? Make sure you’re subscribed to our free weekly newsletter Creative Income. Sign up today!

By: Maria Nerius, FaveCrafts.com Resident Craft Expert

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Maggie
Latest posts by Maggie (see all)
  • Real Life Sales: Getting Your Crafts Into a Shop - November 13, 2021
  • How to Make Money Blogging - November 6, 2021
  • Real Life Sales: Getting Your Crafts Into a Shop - November 18, 2020

Filed Under: General Advice Tagged With: time management

Email Email Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube RSS

Subscribe to the Creative Income Newsletter.

Getting Started

5 Easy Steps to a Successful Handmade Business

Start a Handmade Business: Free CreativeLive Class You Don’t Want to Miss!

Categories

Craft Fair Tips

Pricing Your Handmade Goods for Craft Shows

How to price your items is a common source of confusion when handmade artists are starting to sell at craft shows. Not just business-wise (how much to … [Read More...]

Archives

Blogging

Six Easy Tips for Writing an Artist Bio

Craft Fairs

Pricing Your Handmade Goods for Craft Shows

General Advice

Increase Your Revenue Stream by Teaching Your Craft!

Getting Started

Starting a Business? Don’t Make These Rookie Mistakes

Organizing

Craft Fairs: Find Success, Make the Sale

Sales Tips

Should You Sell Your Handmade Products on Consignment?

Prime Publishing Craft Group
Copyright © 2022 · Creative Income - A Prime Publishing LLC property. All rights reserved.

About Us Advertise Contact Us FAQs Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information Subscribe Terms of Service Unsubscribe

Copyright © 2022 · Tidy Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in