This document discusses how to say "no" and set boundaries. It explains that entrepreneurs often have trouble saying no because they don't want to miss opportunities, want people to like them, or are afraid of conflict. However, saying yes too often can lead to overcommitting, feeling resentful, and rushing work. The document provides tips for when and how to say no politely, such as practicing with small requests first or redirecting to others. Regular practice is important to get comfortable setting boundaries.

1. LEARNING HOW TO
SAY “NO!”
Christina Aldan
For UNLV DECA
2015.11.9
@luckygirliegirl
ChristinaAldan.com
LG@LGDesigns.co
702.900.3419
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2. Do You Have Trouble Saying “No?”
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3. Why Do We Avoid Saying “No?”
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As entrepreneurs, we do this way too much. The reasons?
• Maybe we don’t want to miss out on a sale.
• Maybe we just want people to like us.
• Maybe we are in the startup phase and we think we have
to take on every project that comes our way.
• Maybe we sincerely want to help.
• Maybe it is a super fun networking event, but even the fun
things take energy
• Maybe we are afraid of being rude
• Maybe we would rather lower our boundaries than deal
with conflict
• Some people take “No” as an insult and maybe we don’t
want the relationship to end, so we might tolerate people
who take advantage of us.

4. Why It’s An Important Skill
1. Honoring boundaries
2. Focus on your goals
3. Maintain your vision
4. Create good-quality relationships
5. Quality of work and products is
better when we are fully-present
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5. When We Say “Yes” Too Often…
1. We overcommit
2. We feel resentful
3. Our To-Do list is never-ending and we feel like
we haven’t accomplished a thing
4. We rush through everything, speed, impatiently
bulldoze anything or anyone in our way. Then
crash out at the end of the day.
5. We feel bad about saying “No”
6. Our work is rushed and mediocre
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6. What Actions Can We Take?
• Block out time for yourself and honor that time. Time to
hike. Time to watch live music. Time for the gym. Time for
lunch with friends.
• Pause and ask yourself: Do I WANT to do this or is it that I
feel OBLIGATED?
• Practice saying “No” with little things first. Tell your friends
and family that you are practicing. They will be MORE
than willing to help. Make it a game.
• Make a decision, then stick to it. Being wishy-washy is
unprofessional. If you don’t honor your boundaries, then
why should anyone else?
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7. What Language Can We Use?
• “Thanks so much for thinking of me! Unfortunately, I have another
commitment at that time. I am copying Jane Doe, who is an expert on this
subject. She is more than qualified to speak at your event."
• “I am not the best person to help out with this. There’s probably someone
more appropriate to ask."
• "If it were any other day/time, I would do it. Unfortunately, I have another
commitment.”
• “It just doesn’t work for my calendar”
• “This doesn’t meet my needs now, but I will keep you in mind for future
reference.”
• “No, unfortunately it looks like it won’t work for me.”
• “Thank you for thinking of me. Unfortunately my calendar is full at the
moment. What does the first week of next month look like to you?”
• “I just don’t feel like I could give you my full time and attention on this.”
• “Thanks for asking me, but I’m already committed to something that day.”
• “I promised my business partner I wouldn’t take on anymore projects.”
• “I can’t do that, but let me tell you what I CAN commit to…”

8. Practice, Practice, Practice
• Post on Facebook “Quick! Somebody ask me a yes or no
question.”
• Set short reminder alerts on your calendar. Your brain will
quickly read the alert every time it pops up on your phone.
• Role play with a friend
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9. Caution
• Prevent yourself from saying
“Please keep me in mind for
next time” or “Maybe later”
unless you REALLY,
emphatically mean it. People
prefer you to be honest
instead of passive-
aggressive.
• Beware of the Reluctant Yes
• Ask yourself “What would it
take for this to become an
emphatic “Yes!”
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10. Questions
Christina Aldan
@luckygirliegirl
ChristinaAldan.com
LG@LGDesigns.co
702.900.3419
#UNLV #DECA #STEM #IAmAGoodMix #WIT