There are countless books, articles, and podcasts on how to say “yes.” Maybe it’s personal: you’d like to be more outgoing or want to take hold of more opportunities.  Or maybe it’s professional: you wish to expand your company’s visibility or add more clients to your repertoire. Here at AcceleratingCFO, we’re all about saying yes. In business, more “yesses” bring in more business. And new businesses looking for a solid client base are advised to say yes often.

But what happens when you’ve said “yes” too much? And how do you know when to start saying no?

For starters, your instinct is usually right. So sit down and think about the opportunity before saying yes. Does the situation seem a little shaky? Are you not hitting it off with the potential client? If something feels off or doesn’t sit well with you, this could be a sign that it’s not the right opportunity, or not the right timing. Make note of your feelings and seriously take them into account. Remember, you’ll be working with these people day in and day out. And you don’t want to be in an uncomfortable situation if you don’t have to. So if something feels off, press down on the brakes. It’s okay.

Next, choose the opportunities that feel right for your business. Although it’s great to get a lot interest at the start, do yourself a favor and be a little picky with your options. You don’t want to say yes to all the potential clients that come knocking – not only will you be overloaded and overworked, but you’ll also have a hard time defining what your company’s niche really is. So think about which potential clients are in line with your company’s values. Moreover, think about where you want your company to be in the future. Will saying “yes” to this client take you there? If the answer is “no,” pass this one up. You’ll never know what could be next…

Remember, you’re the one that has to deal with the clients, management, and work, so why set yourself up for disappointment? Create a business that you want to be a part of and that you are proud of. And once you get a client list that aligns with your values, you’ll be surprised at how many more will come knocking at your door…