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Small Business > The YES trap
By Linda Anderson
July 30, 2010

Many business owners fall into the YES trap at some stage or another of business.

What is the YES trap? The YES trap is where you say YES to business that you really should say NO to.
For example:
• Business which involves excessive amounts of time in ratio to what you have charged
• A demanding client who drains time and resources
• Business which is well outside the core focus of your business


I can recall falling into the YES trap frequently when I first started out in business (I still occasionally find myself there!).
Why did I say YES to work that I really should have said NO to?
• I wanted as much experience as possible, no matter what shape it took
• I thought "something is better than nothing"
• I didn't want to miss a golden opportunity ... what if I accidentally said NO to the "perfect" opportunity
• I wanted to impress and please all prospects
• Fear ... what if I say NO and then no other work comes along?
• The potential for more work resulting from an opportunity

The consequence when I fall into the YES trap is that I waste a huge amount of time and energy for little reward. It limits my ability to take on more "good" business as well as time to work ON my business. I end up feeling frustrated, unvalued and unhappy with the work and I may not perform at the usual high standard as a result.

I have learnt many valuable lessons by falling into the YES trap which prevents me falling in so often now:
• There is ALWAYS more business - don't be afraid of saying NO
• Saying NO builds respect for the work you choose to do
• Having clear boundaries is important
• I am a better coach when I am doing the sort of work I really enjoy
• I have limited time and energy - it is important to respect what sort of work I invest myself in

The YES trap is an important part of the learning curve of business as long as you don't get stuck there. It helps you gain clarity about what sort of business you really want to take on and what boundaries are needed to support that.

Are you in the YES trap? Consider what you need to do in order to step out of it ...


Linda Anderson, Principal Coach of a2a coaching, dedicated to helping people live bold and rewarding lives. Linda has an energetic and direct style of coaching which suits people who like to be challenged. Linda is also the co-founder of Mums on the Go - a website created to support mothers to value themselves as much as they value their children.