Never take "no" for an answer

This week was full of my attempt to expedite one of my business concepts to launch next week instead of later this year or early next year.  My bright idea was to do it out of my house on a trial basis while I build traction and later take it out into a location more viable for city traffic. I had a written profile of what I wanted for the business but with minimal details and nothing near a comprehensive business plan. Unfortunately, I ran into a stumbling block that may actually be a blessing.

One of our beloved city agencies told me I could not operate this business out of my home. I know there are operations like this in homes located in our city. I wanted to do it right though, and have my legal p's and q's in order.  I read over the city ordinance regarding running a business out of the home - my operation qualified given the controls I would have in place. The response given to me was totally subjective (in my opinion). So when one person told me no (justifying that if they said yes to me, they would have to say yes to anyone else), I contacted his boss and stated my case to him.  I did this by itemizing each regulation in the city ordinance and stating how I met them. Also, I argued, if I went against city ordinance, they could revoke my permit altogether, right?


Realize, I am a person who tends to follow the letter of the law. When someone tells me no, I usually accept that and move on (even when I had a gut feeling). At this point in my life though, that philosophy is no longer an option for me. It really should have stopped being an option several years ago but we live and we learn, right? I have too many obligations now to take the first "no."

Eventually, the boss responded with "no" as well in an extra long email, carbon-copied to several people. As hurt as my heart was, I understood where he was coming from, but also realized I got his attention. Maybe he will be on my side later. Ultimately what stands out from this experience is the importance of creating the type of business plan that will persuade targeted readers and not give them room to say no. And if they do, I will just have to go to someone else...