How can you be more assertive in your business?

​Being assertive isn’t about shouting and getting your own way, it’s about learning how to show up in
your business in a healthy way. Here are some ways you can be more assertive and why they are
important.

1. Saying no
It’s easy to feel like you have to say yes to everything in your business. Yes to those clients you might
not feel like a great fit with. Yes to work you might not have time for. Yes to something that doesn’t
fit with your goals. It’s easy to say yes because you don’t want to be seen as awkward or hard to
work with.
Saying no to things that don’t feel right is a good way to be assertive. You don’t need to give excuses
or explain why you’re saying no. No is a complete answer. So, listen to your gut and make sure
you’re saying yes to the things that feel right and no to the others.

2. Set boundaries
Just like it’s easy to say yes to everything, it’s also to find yourself boundary-less and exhausted.
Setting boundaries and sticking to them is a powerful way to be assertive. Have fixed times when
you work, don’t reply to messages outside of those hours, manage client expectations, and explain
your boundaries to your clients.

3. Recognise your value
Don’t underestimate your importance. You are the expert, you are the key component in your
business, you are responsible for your own success. Assertiveness is easier when you see your value.
When you do you will find it easier to speak up and give your opinions, to say no when things don’t
feel like the right fit, and respect your boundaries. You and your business deserve to be here, so
don’t let anyone make you feel like you shouldn’t.

Being assertive will help you create a business you love, that allows you to build a work-life balance
that works for you and lets other people value what you do.
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Is assertiveness something you struggle with? I’d love to hear if you need a helping hand.