If you’re a business owner, especially a new one, the idea of turning down income might sound downright ridiculous. How could saying no to work possibly make you more money?
But here’s the thing: Every time you say yes to something that doesn’t align with your goals, you’re actually closing the door on better opportunities. Ones that will gain you more income, and more importantly, happiness within your business.
The Trap of Saying Yes
When starting out, it’s easy to fall into the trap of accepting every offer that comes your way. We say yes to:
- Clients who drain our energy
- Work that doesn’t fit our skills or passion
- Lower pay than we deserve
- Overloading ourselves to the point of burnout
- Projects that don’t align with our vision
- Free work in exchange for “exposure”
We do this because we’re afraid—afraid that if we say no, nothing better will come and we’ll kick ourselves for turning something down. But that’s just not true. I can’t think of one time I’ve said no or decided to stop working with a client that I regretted it. As I sometimes say “Never forget that saying no leaves space for what you really want.”
Why You Can’t Afford to Say Yes to Everything
Unless your financial situation is truly dire, saying yes to misaligned opportunities can be more damaging than beneficial. Every time you accept work that doesn’t light you up, you send a message—to yourself, to your network, and especially to the universe—that you’re willing to settle. That this is the kind of work you want more of.
And guess what? That’s exactly what you’ll keep getting.
The Power of Saying No
Saying no can feel scary at first. You might wonder if you’ve just turned down your last chance at success. But deep down, doesn’t it also feel… relieving? Because now, you don’t have to force yourself into a job that doesn’t excite you. And instead, you’re making space for something better.
Every time I’ve said no to a misaligned client or project, a better opportunity has followed—every single time. It’s as if, by standing my ground, I reaffirm my value and invite the right clients to come my way.
How to Say No (Without Burning Bridges)
Of course, you don’t want to be rude. Here are a few ways to politely decline an opportunity that isn’t right for you:
- “I appreciate the opportunity, but I’m not the best fit for this project. Wishing you the best in finding someone who is!”
- “Unfortunately, I’m unable to take on unpaid work at this time.”
- “My focus is on [your specific area of expertise], and I’m currently only taking on projects in that space.”
The Results of Saying No
When you stop accepting what you don’t want, you create room for what you do. You reinforce your confidence as a business owner. You remind yourself that you are in control of your work, your clients, and your income.
So next time you’re faced with a project, client, or rate that doesn’t serve you—take a deep breath and say no. Then watch as something better finds its way to you.