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What To Do With a "No"

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Lake Homes Realty


What can you do with a “no”?

  • Move on to the next project.
  • Move on to the next deal.
  • Move on to the next research effort.
  • Find out if you made an error (so you don’t repeat it).
  • Find out if you were not communicating clearly (again, so you don’t repeat it).
  • Move on to the next day.
  • Move on to the next email.
  • Move on to the next phone call.
  • Move on to the next technology.
  • Move on to learn more about a market.
  • Be glad you’ve not wasted more time on a dead-end.
  • Find out why it was a “no” and see where that leads.
  • Move on to the next opportunity!

Most people dance around like “no” is a four-letter word they should avoid.  Customers don’t like to say it.  Many people don’t like to hear it.  Some people say they won’t take “no” for an answer (which can make them a real pest if they don’t handle it right).

Image of the word No

We’ll think about it and let you know” often means, “No… but I can’t use that word because it might make me look bad for wasting your time and I would feel guilty.”

But you know what? Avoiding “no” can waste everyone’s time.

Give people permission to say “no” and it actually creates more freedom to discuss and may even lead to more “yes”es!  It is easy to do, just say something along the lines of, “If this doesn’t work for you, you can tell me ‘no’.  Okay?”  If they do say “no” you must also be sure you respect it.  Otherwise you lose credibility.

I want to be clear that this is not the sales hype I hear of “Every ‘no’ is one stop closer to a ‘yes.’”  While you can look at it that way, that is not my message.  I’m talking about about appropriate, respectful, and healthy communication.

I practice telling people a clear “no” if something does not work for me.  Not aggressive, just “no thanks” or “no that really is not for me.”   It saves me time and avoids the other person wasting time and effort as well.  Professionals will appreciate an honest “no.“   I hope you do too!

Posted by

Glenn S. Phillips is the CEO of Lake Homes Realty, the multi-state, full-service, lake-focused real estate brokerage powered by LakeHomes.com.

 Lake Homes Realty - LakeHomes.com

 

 

Comments (6)

Maria Morton
Platinum Realty - Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Real Estate 816-560-3758

Glenn, my Dad was very good at saying 'No' and I learned from him that it's okay to say 'No.'

Oct 27, 2012 01:29 AM
Elite Home Sales Team
Elite Home Sales Team OC - Corona del Mar, CA
A Tenacious and Skilled Real Estate Team

No is so simple and so forceful if used correctly.  Use it and hear it when it is said.

Oct 27, 2012 01:32 AM
Edward & Celia Maddox
The Celtic Connection Realty - Queen Creek, AZ
EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY - WE TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

Lots of alternatives when we hear the word no. Thanks for sharing.

Oct 27, 2012 01:54 AM
Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

Such a strong post...and actually, if done sincerely, a no of this kind can lead, later though, to a yes situation.   It was about respect, at the time of the no.

Oct 27, 2012 02:19 AM
Glenn S. Phillips
Lake Homes Realty - Birmingham, AL
CEO, Lake Homes Realty / LakeHomes.com

Thanks all! Yes, it can open options and still be more respectfull than a false yes! G

Oct 28, 2012 01:04 PM
Laura Filip
Laura Filip Broker , Opening doors for All Seasons of Life - Whitesboro, TX
What can we do for you today?

No is not something most really like to hear but it is there and one must accept it as it is.... The way a person says the word no does make a difference.... Do we respect each other when the word is stated? Either way kindness is in most cases the best way to go about it.

Nov 07, 2012 08:31 AM