An important skill to master

Throughout your business life there will be those who will invite, encourage, and even beg you to join them in various ventures and activities.

And all too often -- in an effort to please a customer, colleague, partner, supplier, or boss -- we say "Yes", when we really should say "Let me think about it" or just "No thanks".

For most of us it's really hard to say "no". We don't want to disappoint, risk hurt feelings, or lose friendships.

But sometimes saying "no" is the best course of action. Doing so can keep you out of situations with potentially disastrous entanglements. (Just ask the accountants at Enron and WorldCom).

An added bonus of saying "no" . . . is it often leaves you time and resources so you can say "yes" when the right project comes along.