Learning To Say No......Damn It's Hard

Good morning, Martha Brown saying "no" becomes easy after you say it enough....and I have said NO to listings in the past.... we need to make good business decisions...we cannot participate in everything nor can we list property just because it's available to be listed...it needs to make sense...

Martha, In your heart and gut you likely know that you are not missing anything. 99% of what is being sold is rinse and repeat. Most of the bells and whistles being sold ... we just don't need them.  No is the biggest little word I know ... and I love using it.  

Martha - You hit on something I've experienced too!  I acquired a large number of books and cassettes (remember those), related to our profession.  And, you are right, so many are outdated and don't have relevance to the realm we now exist in.  Yet, there are a few that have tidbits that allow you to believe that everything old can become new again!

CONGRATULATIONS Martha, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!    

I agree with you that at this point, you've no doubt built a strong foundation. There comes a time when we no longer need to listen to every last webinar.

Frankly I have never bought or invest in any books on real estate or investment strategy.  Classroom vs actualy are very different.  

People skills is something someone has or do not have.

Both partie in the "no" benefit. The agent doesn't need to take on the venture while the potential client can work with someone more suitable for the task.

Hi Martha- it is hard learning to say "no" but it definitely can be rewarding.  

Thanks for sharing!!!

I want to go to that convention where my favorite speaker is and I want to make sure I am not missing the latest best things to make my clients happy, Help, they are calling my name

The only time I say no is if I know we will not be a good fit and you do not know how to take good advice...I have gates you have to cross before I decide to work with you as a buyer's or seller's agent....Endre

It IS hard to say no! And now I feel as though I have to say "yes" and buy "You are a badass!" on the title alone.

You can get overwhelmed with all the learning oportunites that come your way. If you participate at all, you need to be particular about what you attend. Good information but there is no magic pill. Build relationships and you don't need the gagets and other stuff that many promote. 

When I set goals and develop a strategy I find it easier to say no.

I test the sales pitch against my goal and strategy and if it does not line up I tell the caller no.

It is an important lesson to learn--say no! I find it's esp difficult for women--tyring to really teach my girls about this topic

Saying no is a way of saying..... Im worthy of free time, me time, freedom to choose, not getting involved, not being overloaded, not wasting time, navigating my own life, worth more and on and on !  For me it is empowering !  

But how are you ever going to end up on the "First page of Google" without listening to the dozen calls per week promising to get you there? LOL

I will continue to go to NAR, CRS & NAHB conferences if they are in a fun location so I can write of a good trip while I network.

Dear Martha,

So glad you are trying this. You will get used to it. No more excuses not to do your morning meditation instead.

Martha Brown congrats on the feature!  

Someone is always willing to sell you a better mousetrap but one day you will be out of the mouse collecting business...what then?

I use telemarketing calls (Really?  My home qualifies for solar???) to help hone the skill.  I do realize that there is a person, and possibly even an opportunity, on the other end of the line.  But I try to be professional and decline in a manner that I would also take the right way.  It's necessary to learn to say "no" in business and personal life otherwise your time for the things that really matter is eroded.