Saying "yes" is easy. It's the nice thing to say. But saying "no" when you actually mean "no" is healthier for your small business and your customers.
"No, that's not what we do here."
"No, we don't carry that, but ABC down the street does."
"No, it's too hard for us to service that the way it needs to be serviced."
"No, I can't bend on this in good conscious."
Even if you say "yes" to every request, you'll still never be able to please everyone, everytime. So why do we try to be all things to all people? Because it's easy, and expected.
By saying "no" you're doing your customers and your business a big favor. You become the authority, the straight-shooter and the one small business they'll remember.
