This blog post will grow!
For now, here are some great ways to say NO … including MAYBE (Probably No).
Basic No-s
No thank you, I’m going to pass on this.
Thank you for inquiring … I’m going to pass.
Hmmm… I think I need to pass on this.
Oh bummer, I’m actually phasing out that service … so I have to say no.
I’m not currently set up / prepared / ready for that type of project, so need to say no.
No thanks.
Thanks, but no thanks.
I’ve got to say no for now, but thanks for asking.
I’d rather not, but thanks for asking.
I appreciate you asking. I need to say No at this time.
Oh shoot, that’s a hard no.
Oh sorry, that won’t work for me.
I need to RSVP no for this event.
I wish there were 2 of me, in that case I would say yes!
I need to bow out this time.
Sorry, no. Nat at this time.
I’m otherwise engaged, sorry!
Ooh, it’s not likely I can make that work. I’ll let you know if anything changes.
I’m sorry, I’m all booked up that week/month.
I’m booked up until the end of the year.
Oh shoot, I’m already committed that ___[evening/week/etc.]____.
I’d love to, but my plate is totally full right now!
I’m honored that you asked! Currently, I’m at capacity, so have to say no. If I had a clone, I would totally do it.
What you need is beyond my wheelhouse / my scope / my expertise…sorry, I need to say no.
Sounds tempting, but I need to pass.
If you asked me __ month/years ago … I would have said yes! But now, I’m doing something different, and have to say no.
Thank you for asking. I’m not able to take this project on right now.
I wish I could make this work right now, but need to pass.
Oh man, it’s just not possible for me to take that on right now.
Helpful No-s
My business has changed, and I no longer offer that service. Here’s a referral … or All the best with your search.
What you need is beyond my wheelhouse / my scope / my expertise…and I want you to get what you need and deserve. So, I need to say no.
Sorry no, I can’t do that. But here’s what I can do….
Ask Me Later
Oh wow, that’s a cool opportunity. At this time, I need to say no / pass. Please ask me again in the future!
Maybe someday I can say yes. For now, I need to say no.
I need to say no for now, maybe another time?
I’m at capacity, and currently not booking any future work. Feel free to check back with me in __ months.
I need to bow out this round.
Thank you for thinking of me, I need to pass this round.
Oh bummer, I’m just not able to fit that in currently. Feel free to check back with me later.
Can I take a rain check?
Maybe (Probably No)
Hmm. Let me think on that, and I’ll get back to you.
I’ll check my calendar later – when I get home / during my office hour – and will get back to you by _____.
If you don’t hear back by this date, then I’m a no.
Hmm, I’m guessing that I’m booked already. So I’ll say no for now, and if something changes, I’ll let you know!