The power of saying NO.

In business, we have all sorts of opportunities come our way.

They could be revenue-based, collaborations, networking events, or favours for people.

How quick are you to say yes to them?

You may need the sale, even though it is not a good deal for you, time, drama, and profit-wise.

Or you commit to going to an event that you don’t want to go to but feel too awkward to decline it. ??

Maybe there is a fear of missing out, or you are a people-pleaser and say yes to be liked and feel valuable. ??

Soon you become very busy, maybe even overwhelmed, trying to keep everyone else happy whilst being frustrated and resentful yourself. ??

You are not the only one.

I have experienced this myself and helped many clients through it.

Most come to me as they realise that their business and life are out of balance.

Or, as I like to say, not in harmony.

The first step is to start setting boundaries.

And it starts with a simple sentence.

No.

I had a client recently say NO to an opportunity that was not worth their time and effort.

That opportunity changed to be worthwhile and then became a YES.

We have to learn and be brave enough to say no to the wrong opportunities to make way for the right opportunities.

We have only so much time for things; isn’t it better to use that time on the right things for you and your business?

How many opportunities should be a NO in your business, but you have said yes?

NeuroWeird Networker

When done properly and on purpose, networking is a powerful way to build relationships that will help your business succeed.

Networking can be daunting, especially if you’re different from others.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Before I go to a networking event, I will plan ahead.

Here is my checklist that may be helpful to you, especially in the early days of your networking journey.

Check the location

I use online maps to check where the venue is and the routes (always have a backup route in case of traffic) to take. I even go into street view to find landmarks that will help me.

Journey Time

I see what time the journey will take and understand what time I have to set off to be early.? I hate to be late and know I will get wound up if I am, and that will affect my mood and manner at the event. So I set off with lots of time to spare. This is even more important if you have time blindness or are habitually late for meetings.

Check Parking

There is nothing worse than battling through traffic and then having to drive around trying to park the car. So I check where the nearest parking is and how busy it will be. No easy parking means I will probably not go.

Appropriate Look

I will dress appropriately for the event and the business persona you are portraying. There is no need to turn up for a breakfast meeting in a tux, and it is not a good idea to go to a black-tie event in a t-shirt and jeans.

Business Cards and Name badge

I have a box of business cards and an enamel badge with my name in the glove compartment, so I do not forget them. I got the name badge as it helps others like me, who have name blindness. Also, I am not keen on name lanyards as they are uncomfortable.

Stress Toy

Sometimes, if I know it will be a meeting where I will not feel 100% at ease, I will have a fidget toy in the car. I don’t take it into the meetings, as messing with a fidget toy in your pocket can give the wrong impression. ?? I have found using a pen as a comfort device is a better method as it is less obvious.

The more prepared we are before the event the less chance we will have of becoming overwhelmed and feel more in control of the situation and ourselves. Networking is hard enough, without adding to the stress of traffic and getting lost.

What other things would you find helpful to prepare before going networking?

#Neurodivergent #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #BeYourself #EmbraceYourWeird

Thank you for reading and investing some of your time with me.

Stay safe and warm this week and here's to all your successes. ??

Peterg

Feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat more about these topics. We’re in this together, and I’m here to support your journey. ??