An old friend once taught me that if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything. Standing for something means saying no to all the things you don’t stand for.
Taking a stand happens to be the best way to avoid being tossed about by every new trend, avoiding peer pressure, and to build your brand.
If you spend your time fulfilling the request of others, you’ll find yourself doing a lot of wheel spinning and not getting where you really want to be. No is my default answer to most request for anything (both business, and personal). I do make some exceptions. For example, when it comes to bar-b-que anything, fries with a shake, or when my friends Keith and Stephanie ask my wife and I to hangout with them…my default answer is always…”is a frogs behind water tight?”
When Porsche prices new entry level vehicles near $47,000 they’re standing firm on saying no to everyone in the market for a vehicle for less. By doing so they can provide a better product, and service to the $47,000 plus market.
Likewise when a basic cashmere sweater at Neiman Marcus is $650 they’re saying no to everyone who wants a $99 one. Thus standing firm on their case for luxury.
Brands and people who have learned to stand on no understand that you can’t be all things to all people. In doing so you can be all that you can be to the all the people you’ve decided matter most to you.