Protect the YES...

1. This Week's Encouragement:

Last week was quite the rollercoaster in our quest for that big project that I have been really excited about. Picture this: after weeks of negotiations and spotting several red flags, we were almost at the finish line.

Then, suddenly, the budget took a nosedive—going in the complete opposite direction of reasonable. What started as a promising opportunity quickly became a mismatch of epic proportions.

Faced with a ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ offer that frankly didn’t take much into account, I stood at a crossroads. The options? Stretch ourselves thin for a less-than-ideal budget or thank them for their time and consideration AND walk away with our heads held high. Opting for the latter wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Here's why:

Celebrating our 7th year in business, I've learned the hard way that saying 'yes' should never come at the cost of our sanity. Each time I've ignored those pesky red and yellow flags, the projects turned headache-inducing. So, I chose to protect my ‘Yes’ because saying no to a bad deal means saying yes to better opportunities that respect our worth and contributions.

Here are the three strategies I use to keep my decision-making sharp and my spirits high:

Embrace Abundance: Opportunities are like buses—another one always comes along. Passing on a mismatch means being open to something even better. I reflect with gratitude and try to identify key learnings from this experience.

Law of Averages: Not every pitch will be a win, and that's okay. If we snagged every deal, we’re doing it wrong. It’s a quality over quantity long-term game.

Start a No Blitz: I turn setbacks into a game. Every 'no' I collect just brings me closer to the perfect 'yes.' It’s about resilience in the face of rejection.

Remember, protecting your 'Yes' isn't just about business; it's about maintaining the joy and integrity in all we do. Also, I spoke with a friend who did work with this company in the past. Turns out, I made the right decision.

2. Thought Exercise:?YES FILTER

I love this quick powerful exercise called the "Yes Filter". This tool will help you ensure that every 'Yes' genuinely benefits your goals. Here's how to apply it in just three steps:

Step 1: Define Your Non-Negotiables

Start by listing what’s absolutely essential in any opportunity.

Step 2: Evaluate the Outcomes

Visualize the best-case and worst-case scenarios.

Step 3: Sleep on It

Don’t rush your decision. Take a night to sleep on it, allowing your insights to marinate. Often, the clarity you need comes after a pause, helping you make a decision with confidence.

If the opportunity clears all these steps, it’s a resounding 'Yes'. If not, it’s a no-go, preserving your energy for better fits.

3. Available Resource: VIP Day

Protecting your 'Yes' isn't just about turning down less-than-ideal opportunities—it's also about going all in and saying 'Yes' to experiences that truly resonate with your goals.

That’s exactly why I’m excited to share that I've opened a few spots for my exclusive VIP days. These are designed for those ready to strategically enhance their life and career.

Whether you're looking to boost your vision, refine your business goals, or simply master the daily challenges with greater skill, these VIP days are your chance to sit at the table with an expert guide. We’ll map out a strategy that positions you to win, ensuring every move you make is calculated and effective.

Seats are limited, and just like in poker, timing is everything. Don’t miss your chance to secure a spot and gain the strategic advantage you need to succeed.

Book a call to see if we’re a fit.

4. Quote:

"The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything." -- Warren Buffett

5. Ask Keita

Q. Dear Keita,

I'm facing a challenging yet exciting decision in my consulting business. After three years of hard work, I've secured an opportunity with a blue-chip company—a dream come true in terms of prestige. However, there's a catch: their project offer is at one-third of my usual rates. I'm torn between the incredible brand exposure and maintaining my standard fee structure. What's your take on this? Should I negotiate, accept, or decline the offer?

Sincerely,

Bluechip or Bust

A. Dear Blue Chip or Bust,

Thank you for sharing! This is always a tough one. Congrats on the opportunity. I think the great Kenny Rogers sang it best (and yes, I listened to country music pre-Beyonce),

“You've got to know when to hold 'em… Know when to fold 'em…Know when to walk away… And know when to run.”

Say yes if you want the logo.? Say no if you want more cash. I could wax poetically about big brands who claim to have low budgets to work with small business owners, but that is another newsletter.

As always, I’m deeply thankful to spend time with you in this edition of Take 5 Tuesday. If you're a forward-thinking B2B service-based business owner who's ready to call the bluff at your business's slow growth, now is the time to play your best hand.

Don’t fold under uncertainty. Push your chips to the center and make the bold play. Schedule a call with me, and together, we'll strategize the winning moves that resonate with your goals and drive your business forward.

Ready to go all in? Book your strategy session today.

Keita – your favorite Success Bully