It’s hard to say NO to others but even harder to say NO to your ego

Ask anyone who has founded a company and they all will tell you that time is one of the most valuable things a startup company has. The time of the team, time to launch a product, time to make a sale, with that being said there are going to be people that will always ask for your TIME.

Can you serve on my non-profit board? Can you speak at this event? Can you travel with me for a presentation? Even though you want to be a good friend and be supportive to your community you have to respectfully let them know you don’t have the time to support them to the best of your availabilities.

Now it’s hard enough looking at someone that is asking you for help and tell them NO but, it’s harder to say NO to your own ego.

In the back of your mind, you know that answering YES there is a chance that if you serve on that board, you will get your name on a plaque, be involved in a new stadium, you will carry the title of Director to add into your resume. You won’t be at the front row of events where the camera can see you.

Ask yourself, what is harder? Saying No to your friend & community knowing that your startup needs your time and full attention or saying NO to the chance of seeing your name in a plaque of a building for decades?

Being in a startup is exciting, it’s inspiring, but at the same time, there is always an internal battle in the mind of every innovator.

To everyone that has taken a leap of faith, starting your own company, quit your corporate job to help grow a new company or are planning to do so just know that there will be plenty of times that you are going to have to say NO.

What you choose to say NO to is up to!