BE MORE LIKE MY DOGS and less like my husband when it comes to the word "no." Sounds like a strange tip, I admit, but read on and you'll see the point.

When someone says "no" to my husband, he believes the person. To him, no means no - end of discussion. He's an R&D engineer and is very good at what he does, but I don't think he'd make a very good businessperson.

On the other hand, our dogs, Shadow and Chili, don't truly know the meaning of "no." When we say "no," they obey, but you can see in their eyes that they're just waiting for us to change our minds about whatever it is. They are eternal optimists and very perseverant.

Changing these no's into yes's is partially due to their adorability quotient - something you probably shouldn't count on as a technique to change your customers' no's to yes's. However, there are ways you can do this.

Take a minute and think about how you interpret "no" when you're talking to a potential client, or anyone else for that matter. Here are some questions to consider:

• How does it feel? Do you tend to take it personally?
  
  
• How do you respond in the moment?
  
  
• What do you think after the fact?
  
  
• What is there about the way you handle a "no" that is working for you and your business?
  
  
• What's not working?
  
  
• Is there something you might do differently?
  
  
• What will it take for you to look at a "no" as an opening, rather than as a closing?

One thing I like to remind people of is that "no" is the answer to a question, not a rejection of you, the person. I encourage people to think of the situation as a chance to look at creative ways to use a "no" to open the door for future opportunity.

"No" only means "no" if you let it. As a business coach, I help my clients plan and implement strategies for dealing with the "no's" we all encounter, as well as other business-related strategies.

Have a great month, and practice being like Shadow and Chili - optimistic, perseverant, and friendly.

With an eye on you,
Peggy