Devoted to Managers and those that seek to improve their management skills

...Your revenues that is. Have you found yourself overwhelmed because your team has done such great customer service that word of mouth has created a monster of opportunity that you allowed to grow too much? In other words, have you said yes to too many people or businesses?

When I was young and foolish, I had bought a great business and every time I was asked to do something, I was so convinced that I could provide the quality service needed, that I said yes to every request. That wasn't too smart.

It wasn't too long before the very reason I was able to buy the business from the original owner was now crowding in on me (He sold it because he had started working a minimum of 18 hours a day).

The hours weren't the only problem; it was also the quality of the work done. If you want to drop the quality of your business service quick; just say yes to everything. It won't matter what policies, rewards, threats or motivation you offer - it won't get done the way it should.

The other side of this is that it would seem that accepting a lot of business would cause the company to grow. In reality it can do just the opposite. Those customers that have come to love doing business with you will not stay with you if your service becomes substandard.

In the end, you will end up losing your great, foundational customers...to customers that you have no knowledge of whether they will stick with you or not. The reason is because you can't offer the same service you did before you took on more than the company could handle.

One of the great skills and strength a manager or business owner must have is the ability to say no. Managing growth and reputation are two critical aspects of business success. The fortitude to say "no" is one of the major tools to use to ensure that they remain a major part of your success.

What may surprise you is that revenue will grow quicker by taking in less business at the right times. Have you used "no" as a strategic way of growing your business or department?