By Dana Phillips.

“NO” isn’t a bad thing.  In fact, when it comes to talking to your friends, relatives, and acquaintances, it is a good thing!

Most of you do not want to be called pushy, and many of you don’t invite your close contacts to hear about your opportunity because you don’t want to offend them.  Instead, you find a way to mention your opportunity and your business over and over, dripping like maple syrup.  You hope it sticks, and instead, it is “sticky.”  You avoid being pushy and instead become a pest.

Your friends see you coming and say to themselves, “here we go again.”

A better way?

Be Teflon, and find a way to close the loop on the conversation.  Remember that not everyone is a good fit for your opportunity.  I often say, “It isn’t your job to convince people to join you; it is your job to invite enough people to hear about your opportunity to find those who are the right fit.”

I learned that “No” isn’t bad – it’s good!

  • “No” allows me to clean up my list of potential teammates.
  • When we successfully identify someone who is not a good fit for our company, it not only helps them but us as well.

Some examples of the Teflon approach. (Notice you give POWER to the person to decide.)

“Megan, I don’t know if you want to sell ____ or not, but I would like to tell you about it so you can make an informed decision. If it is a fit, great!  If not, that’s okay, too.”

“Brandy, I would like to share our company with you and find out if it you are interested. I also want you to know that it’s okay if you tell me “No” after we meet.”

“Jake, I’d greatly appreciate the opportunity to share, and then will happily accept a “No” if what we’re doing isn’t a fit.”

“Well, Mason, we’ve danced around a bit on whether you are going look at our company or not.  I would like to sit down with your permission and tell you about it, and if it isn’t for you, I respect that. “

“Neil, here’s the deal.  I think you would be great, but I can’t speak for you.  How about this: come to the Zoom event on Saturday. If you’re not into it after that, I’ll take it as a “No” and won’t bring it up again unless you do.  But for us to figure out if this is a fit OR NOT, you have to see it.”

This Teflon approach is built on trust, respect, and service.  While I love maple syrup, I don’t like it all over me.  Try this and let me know what you think.

Want to Hear More On Being Direct and Not Pushy?

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