As a small enterprise that has worked hard on its public profile, we get lots of lovely attention. People are so positive about what we do and if I could I’d have a coffee with absolutely everyone who takes any interest at all. That would be a lot of coffee!
But I can’t. I’m busy painting the toilet floor, updating GDPR policies and ensuring we all get paid.
To be honest, some people just want some free consultancy, others want me to help with their PhD. I get about one request a week to be a part of some social enterprise research. All this is incredible when I reflect on where I was four years ago. And it’s often interesting too. So how do I say no to the right ones?
I truly believe in the power of saying ‘yes’ to opportunities. But if I met everyone I’d be bankrupt, my staff team would leave and we’d have nothing that anyone would want to talk to us about!
So please don’t think me rude, but I might just have to say ‘no’ from time to time. And if it’s a really vague ‘shall we meet for a coffee?’, I’ll be asking ‘why’ too!
