The Creative No

I learned very early on in my event planning career that the word “no” is very difficult for a lot of people. To hear it, to say it, to experience it, or to follow through on it. It’s just a short, 2-letter word, what’s the problem? It is amazing the amount of emotion tied up in this little word. In order to be able to articulate it and get others to understand it, I have learned to say no creatively. It’s not always that I am saying no, I am presenting options and the other person is coming to their own conclusion, which in the end is… no.

So how does one say no creatively without invoking the inevitable emotion card? Ask Joe Friday. Just the facts ma’am. When it comes to event planning, a no can be presented by just stating information or drawing logical conclusions of what might happen if no is not the option.

As the event planner, you are often the one who can see things coming that others can’t. You monitor timelines, schedule milestones, and watch the critical path. You can anticipate the domino effect when there’s a change in, well, anything to the project. When confronted with the inevitable question if it’s ok to move a deadline, no is the appropriate answer. However, no might not be very well received if it’s just lobbed out there. Taking time to explain the impact the change will have on the project will often lead to a no by the proposer. It can impact the budget, staff capacities, deliverable dependencies, and based on what it is, the end result itself. You can usually intelligently guide someone into the no without them getting all teary-eyed.

If you are an independent planner, you may need to walk the decision-maker who hired you through the process. They may need extra attention to understand that your suggestions are for the good of the project. Present options and make recommendations based on your research and experience. You may need to explain how a yes or no supports the goals and objectives of their project or event.

You can always ask something like, “Your budget is $50,000, are you prepared to spend $115,000? No? What you are asking me to do is going to cost about that, so let’s talk about your options…” Or, “Moving your event to the weekend of the 24th means you are competing with the opening day football game, do you want to do that?” You get the idea.

Have you been in a situation where you have to deliver a creative no?
I’d love to hear your story, please email me!

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