Special offer

The Positive Side of Saying “No”

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with RealSupport Inc.

Real Estate is a 7-day-a-week, year-around business, which pressures agents to respond to everything around the clock. And just when summer is here and business starts to demand all of your time, the personal invitations roll in. Graduation parties, family reunions, weddings, charity events and other shindigs seem to be happening every weekend.

It’s hard to say “yes” to one person, and then decline another. You might feel like you’re being unfair. However, unless you say “no” to some invitations, the person you’re being most unfair to, is you!

Saying “no” is one of the most personally empowering and healthful things you can do for yourself, especially when you’re stressed and time is at a premium.

Saying “no” in the right way also means that you won’t damage relationships with clients, friends or family. Here are some smart ways to say no, inspired by Entrepreneur magazine, along with suggestions of our own!

Don’t beat around the bush. Politely decline right away. This allows the other party to plan accordingly, without guessing whether or not you’re going to show up. There’s no need to make up a complex explanation; short and sweet is best.

Show gratitude for the offer. Saying “Thank you for thinking of me, I appreciate it” helps you decline an invitation with grace.

Suggest an alternative date or occasion. The family might be crushed if you can’t make Aunt Martha and Uncle Ted’s 40th anniversary party. However, your aunt and uncle might be more delighted by a personal visit from you, when 70 other people aren’t milling around their house. Make arrangements that better suit your schedule.

Be proactive, rather than reactive. You might already know of a dozen obligations coming up that you’d rather avoid. Be honest. If the idea of saying “no” takes a weight off your chest, then let yourself decline. And better yet, don’t wait to be asked. Head off invitations at the pass by contacting people proactively.

It’s the thought that counts. If the occasion warrants a card, gift or donation, send a token of your esteem, and politely bow out of the assembly.

Give clients other options. If you are in the position of having too many clients and not enough time, refer some clients to a trustworthy peer. Hoarding clients when you cannot properly serve them all could backfire, and damage your reputation.

If you’re pressed for time, then it’s time for some help! Contact RealSupport for management of your website, blog, social media, listing marketing and more!

 

Bonita Breit

Copywriting & Marketing Specialist

RealSupport, Inc.

Comments (2)

Coal Infantino
Coldwell Banker - York, PA
Realtor specializing in south central PA

You are so spot on about the way a summer can get booked solid before June even hits!  And I think we all need to practice being a little greedy with our time.

May 24, 2016 12:11 PM
RealSupport, Inc.
RealSupport Inc. - Schaumburg, IL
- Virtual Real Estate Marketing

Thank you for taking the time to read this post! 

May 26, 2016 05:45 AM