When you’re building a business like Nine Lives Media Inc., it’s easy to say “yes” to every new project that comes along. Saying “yes” to a freelance business engagement means you can improve cash flow, fund new projects and pay your bills.

Now, for our challenge: When Amy Katz and I launched Nine Lives Media Inc., we made a conscious decision to build media assets — including databases and online brands like MSPmentor, The VAR Guy and Works With U.

During the first few months of 2008, we said “yes” to some freelance engagements that, in turn, helped us to fund our first three media sites. But now — as we plan for the second half of 2008 — we’re starting to politely say “no thank you” to some third-party projects that aren’t core to our business.

To our pleasant surprise, our own media brands have quickly gained traction. And like newborn kids, they’re demanding far more time and focus than we ever expected.

What a wonderful problem to have.