Tip of the week: Learn to say no to requests that drain your time

In a small business, everyone wants your time: relatives, friends, suppliers and customers asking for free extras. Saying yes to everything leaves nothing for the work that pays you.

Before agreeing, ask: Does this help my business or my priorities? Can someone else do it? Do I have the time now?

Practise polite, firm responses:

• "I would like to help, but I cannot this week. Can we talk on Saturday?"
• "That is outside what I can do, but I can suggest someone."
• "Let me check my schedule and reply tomorrow."

Giving yourself time before answering avoids automatic yes answers.

Say no kindly and without long excuses. Most people accept a clear answer more easily than a nervous, vague one.

A boda boda rider who can't leave a busy afternoon to run a relative's errand can offer a different time instead.

Reserve some time for family and rest too. A well-rested owner works better.

This week: practise saying no politely once, and note how people react.