Wouldn't it be nice if we had a translator sometimes? If we ask a direct question, sometimes a 'yes' response means 'no', a 'no' means 'perhaps', a 'but' could be good and could be not-so-good! Here's my attempt at translating.
If someone says 'yes', sometimes they mean 'yes', no problem. That's easy.
But if someone says 'yes', and it doesn't feel good, maybe it means that they said 'yes' only to be polite and nice. If this is the case, and you can confirm it, take their 'yes' to actually mean 'no'.
If someone says 'yes', and adds a 'but' to it, that means that there are conditions involved. It's often more important to look at the conditions behind the agreement, and the motivation for the other party to ask for those conditions. Often, it's not worthwhile to accept those conditions.
If someone says 'yes' and adds 'not now', it generally means that they are would be happy to do it, but at a different time.
If someone says 'no' and means 'H*CK NO', it means don't ask them for something similar in the future, unless something changes. Consider whether you’d like to have this person to be in your network, and also at what recent (or OLD) acts might make them have this mindset.
If someone says 'no' and adds a 'but', it generally means that they would like to do it, but need a specific condition to be met in order to do it. I'm generally more inclined to make this agreement work than it they say yes with conditions).
If someone says 'no' and adds 'not now', it means that they can't now, but they can at a different time. I treat this much like a ‘yes but not now’ response.
If someone says 'no' and adds an 'and', it generally means that they don't want to do this, AND there are other things they don't want to do, or want to be part of. Look closely at what recently has happened, especially if this is a new response. Perhaps a fence can be mended, an ego soothed?
The best case is when someone says 'yes', knowing full well the breadth of the agreement and the bigger picture of the project. Moreover, that person has the vision to see a picture beyond what you can see yourself, the drive, energy and skills to make it happen, and the willingness to include you in the ride.
I'll end by asking you some questions:
How can you get more people with #9 responses in your network?
Who in your current network are giving you the direct and supportive responses to help you grow?
Who else can you include in your network?