“I have so much on my plate now I don’t know when I can get to it. But I do know someone over here who can help you now.”

“Before I take this on for you, let me show you a few things so that you might be able to do it yourself.”

“I have made so many commitments to others, it would be unfair to them and you if I took on anything more at this point.”

“If I can’t give you a ride to school dance on Friday, how else would you get there safely?”

“I don’t know how soon I can help you on this, but I will get back to you as soon as I am free to help you.”

“I’m sure we’re close enough that when I say “no” you’ll understand it’s for a good reason.”

“Sure I can help you with your request as long as we both agree and understand that item I agreed to do for you yesterday is going to have to wait.”

“Before I take this over from you, what do you think we ought to do about it?”

“I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is, I sure can do that for you. The bad news is, I’m so overloaded with everything else, I’ve become delirious and have been lying about my commitments.”

“When I get overwhelmed like I am now, I remove every third person who asks me for something, from my “Good Friends List” and second person just left.”

“No.”

“Thanks for thinking to ask me, but, no thanks.”

“I would like to help you out on this but you understand I don’t have resources available to do right job for you.”

“Now that’s type of thing I would love to help you on if only I had time.”

“Just like you, I get overloaded sometimes and have to tell some very special people, “no”. This is one of those times.”

And as you speak, smile.

Want some easy tips to help you to get more from your boss without having to say “no”? Get your free copy now of “The Boss Question”. Email your request for “boss” to: mailto:ctsem@msn.com

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Dr. Donald E. Wetmore-Professional Speaker Productivity Institute-Time Management Seminars 127 Jefferson St., Stratford, CT 06615 (203) 386-8062 (800) 969-3773 fax: (203) 386-8064 email: ctsem@msn.com Free Timely Time Management Tips: Visit our Time Management Supersite: http://www.balancetime.com/

Why don't we ask these things? Here are some reasons: assumption (we think we already know answer), fear of appearing foolish or stupid, fear of rejection, and we just don't think of it!

What can we do about this? First we have to adopt a new way of thinking, and then we have to get into habit of thinking that way.

Let me introduce you to "Dave's Rule of Wrong". Simple yet powerful, you can use this tool to determine whether asking is a good idea. Ironically, "Rule of Wrong" involves asking yourself a question! "Which would be better? To 'ask' and be wrong or to 'not ask' and be wrong?"

Which would have been better? For my friend to ask for help for her friend and been wrong (not gotten any help), or to not ask for help and been wrong (in this case, someone DID know someone that could help; had she not asked, she would have been wrong because of missed opportunity)?

It's pretty clear that there is no harm in asking and getting no results, but harm in not asking and missing an opportunity.

Which would be better, to ask for sale and be wrong (get a 'no') or to not ask for sale and be wrong (they would've said 'yes' and you missed a sale)?

Got idea?

Sorry, I had to ask!