As for his inbox message (which I, too, have gotten many times), I really like his idea. I love how he puts a human face on a very human and understandable situation…but it’s also a very Gary solution to a very Gary problem. In other words, I wouldn’t want to spend a few minutes watching a video after I email just-anyone, but with Gary things are always a little different .

Just something to bear in mind, but I’m very impressed with how well he’s pulled it off, though I think someday he’ll have to actually say “No” to more things. And I think we all need to.

Fortunately, as you mention, there’s delegating. And there’s also scheduling 15 minute phone calls instead of lunches and all sorts of other little hacks for being responsive without being too available. Good luck on finding that balance!

Cheers,
Jared from AwayFind

@Rob I agree with your theory on not telling a client “no” in that sense. Anything is possible, it just takes time, energy and money. I would never out and out say “no” in that sense, to be sure. However, I often get requests of my time and effort that’s kind of outside the work I do for a living. I am happy to help as many people as possible. But sometimes, if it’s not possible for me to do, I have to find a way to turn it down. Those are the kinds of “no’s” I find more difficult to deal with sometimes. You have an interesting perspective on things – thanks for sharing it!

But there will always have to come a time that No is the only answer you can give – and as you say, true friends will understand. The others? Maybe they’re not as friendly as you think.

For me, the word “can’t” is more accurate. I never say I “can’t” do something, because there’s always a way. It may not be a cheap or easy way, but I’ve found that if a client thinks you’ve tried every avenue, they know that you cared enough to look at it from multiple angles before making an educated decision.

I think your solutions are a wonderful way to turn work down without damaging your relationship with the client.

For the record, I always so no to overtime, and I always say no to anything that will take me away from Joe and our bed. That’s my prime directive. If it screws with my home life, forget it.

If you ask me at work and it means more work for Joe, the answer will ALWAYS be no, even if you’re family.

I don’t have any issues with being assertive. I had to learn that growing up in my large family very early on, but perfecting the art was a totally different ball game.

You are correct in stating that saying no with kindness is the only way to go with the exception of when you get a pest who won’t take no for an answer the first five times.