October 11, 2019 By SmartBiz Team

As a business owner, seeing or hearing the word NO can feel like a slow-motion scene in a movie. It lingers there and you can’t get it out of your head. Entrepreneurs work hard and when you are truly passionate about growing your business, being told no can make you second-guess your efforts and feel insecure or unsure about your business decisions.

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It doesn’t have to be that way.

For me, the word used to signify uncertainty. I’d wonder if I wasn’t good enough, if I’d taken a wrong turn with my business. After a few days of trying to figure out why my idea or request had been rejected I put my game face on and my plan into action. I aimed not necessarily to turn those negative responses into positive ones - but to go full steam ahead and focus on my making my business a success. It felt empowering. It still does.

And it takes only 4 steps to make a significant change in your business when you too run across the word “no.”

Never stop learning

Depending on how long you have been in your industry, or how successful your company has been, there is always something to learn. When entrepreneurs feel the most confident in the services offered, it’s the perfect time to take stock of how far you’ve come, and to outline where you want to go. Set goals. Seek out new competitors. Review your standing in the marketplace. Consider how you use technology and if there are new options available that will streamline your work.

Do your research, even if you feel the business is in a solid position. Where do you get your best business ideas? Whether it’s a quiet retreat, your office, or just your shower – go there. Give it a shot. Allow yourself time to plan. Re-evaluate your goals - and make changes if they are needed.

Build

In today’s social media-connected society, there are many different ways to promote your business at little to no cost. Just as you use social media tools to build a following you can analyze and experiment online to see where there is a strong need for your products or services.

One of our clients at Ask Jennyfer is an established author. She was trying to find a way to reach a younger audience. After a quick course to familiarize herself with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, she was able build her online following and continues to expand her reach. It took gaining new skills for her to meet her target audience in time for her new book release.

 
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Be Consistent

Business owners earn success by putting in the necessary time and work. Hearing the word “no” can be discouraging. But if that’s all it took to derail our efforts, we might not have survived this far.

So, remember that even when things look bleak, consistent effort is required. There’s no time for second-guesses. Create a daily to-do list and follow it. Writing out your thoughts and setting regular goals can lead to growth at any stage.

Take Chances

Be confident in your expertise and in the work of those you have hired. Business requires us to take chances. Success comes from the effort and direction you set forth for your business – it’s not determined by one negative response. It’s true you have to know your market and identify your clientele, but don’t dismiss an idea you truly believe is in the best interest of the company just because one person or group disagreed. At Ask Jennyfer, we like to tell clients that your best bet is to bet on yourself. There’s no one right way to grow your business. It takes time, talented people and hard work.

To move it forward, learn from the “no”, take chances, and believe in the success yet to come.

 

About the Author

Jennyfer Crawford is no stranger to the word no. But it doesn’t bother her. She is the founder of Ask Jennyfer, a Detroit-based consulting firm focused on helping small business owners succeed. She does so through the popular small business showcase All Things Detroit, her web series Conversations and the podcast Ask Jennyfer. Crawford also developed an online community - All Things Marketplace. In 2019, she will unveil All Things Ticketing, an independent ticketing site for small business owners across the country. She is a 2016 recipient of Crain’s Detroit Business’ 40 Under 40 award, a 2018 recipient of the Detroit Young Professionals Vanguard Award - and a Detroit resident. Contact her at info@askjennyfer.com.

 
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