“No, thanks, hire someone else.” ??

Saying ‘no’.

Well, that’s just bad for business, isn’t it?

I mean, you must be crazy to turn down a deal of a lifetime.

Be it about turning down a career-changing opportunity, when you’re a rising star, or saying ‘nay’ to a means of survival, when you’re still growth hacking your start-up.

“You must be crazy …”

Well, maybe I am.

In any case, I find saying ‘no’ to be one of the best decisions in business as well as in life, given the right circumstances.

Never mind the fact it used to make me experience nervous breakdowns and insane flashes of anxiety.

It’s not easy saying ‘no’.

It’s not a black and white decision.

You have to take perspective, look at it from all kinds of angles.

But in the end, if it’s the right thing to do, it’s just the right thing to do.

That’s why right now I find it extremely cathartic … relaxing, even.

And I’ve made it really simple in terms of shaping my decision process into 3 base steps:

1. Is it ethical?

This is an essential part of any research I do in terms of getting familiar with a potential partner.

If what they’re selling makes me feel uncomfortable, it’s a ‘no’. I rather have a good night’s sleep.

2. Can I actually help you?

If it’s more about taking money out of your pocket than it is about actually helping you out, it’s a ‘no’.

I’m in it for the long run, I want to grow right next beside you, so one-time deals are basically out of the picture.

3. Are we really on the same page?

I have no problem committing to taking care of all the hard work, but I need you 100 % on board, if I’m to help you win.

Micromanagement, fallbacks to the way things are “supposed to be done”, uncertainty, and any kind of B.S. along those lines are all just a turn off. A ‘no’.

It’s not just about money. It’s about being responsible. Helping someone out. And a lot of times not taking the money is just that. Actually helping someone out.