#10 in the series, 30 Ways of Wootness
Today’s WOW is brought to you by Martha Stewart. Sort of.
The other day, while I was futzing around with the living room, I accidentally put together this NO. Mr. Wootness noticed it, mentioned it, and as I was on my way to retrieve the items and deposit them artistically elsewhere, I changed my mind and decided to leave it that way as a reminder.
I need to say “No” way more often than I do.
One of the first things I began to say “no” to were requests for donations. Oh my gosh, when I first went into business I was inundated with requests for freebies for charities. Gift certificates, sessions, etc. That’s dwindled off. I assume it’s because I started turning down these requests and was removed from the “sucker” list, or more likely, because there are 30+ other photographers in my area that can be hit up, instead
I decided that each year I would choose a non-profit agency to help. And that agency must be one I was familiar with. Right now, Hospice is on that short list because of the care they helped my husband’s family give his parents. There are a few other agencies I would help, if asked, but for the most part, I turn down these requests.
One of the reasons is budget. There’s only so much free stuff I can give away before it starts impacting my bottom line. So, there’s a budget in place and once I exceed that, I’m done donating for the year.
Another reason is that sometimes the “winners” of the donated item are not clients that I normally would get. If the item is “won” in a rafle or door prize situation, it will be valued way less than an item that they bid on in a live action. Sorry, folks, but silent auction items aren’t that cool, either. So, you’re much more likely to get a donation for a live auction that is well publicized. At least I’m guaranteed that the client coming through the door has attached a value to what I donated and they respect my work and time. That’s WAY less stress than the other type of client and is much more likely to bring me Wootness.
Things I need to learn to say “No” to:
- Requests for types of work that I don’t do
- Requests to shoot session on days that I am closed
- Requests from friends that ask for something outside of what I give clients
- Requests for my time that will be uncompensated
So, what it is that YOU should learn to say “No” to more often?