The fact is we will all be faced with rejection at one time or another in business.  We’re all in agreement, it’s not fun, but it’s a part of doing business.   Even though we may think what we do is awesome, not everyone is going to share that feeling.   If you are offering a service, in essence  your “offering” yourself and in this case the feeling of rejection can hit a little “too close to home.”    As an instructor at Red Deer College where I teach marketing, I find one of the scariest scenarios for my students is the idea of rejection. 

“What if they say no?”
“What if they don’t like what I’m offering?”

Well you accept it.  I mean really, what else are you going to do?  Persist until they get the restraining order?  I don’t think so.  Seriously though, rejection is a part of life, something that needs to be accepted and expected.   I’ve had my fair share of rejection just like anyone, but over the years I’ve found some key strategies to help me through those moments….you know the moments I’m talking about, when you want to reach through the phone or across the desk at the person rejecting you and shake them by the shoulders and say “But why don’t you think I’m great?”

Well, try to refrain yourself, and think about the following:

1) Some rejection will happen: It’s not a pleasant thought, but not every person you speak to will sign on the dotted line. You will not win every contract. Expect some rejection, accept it and try to be okay with it.

2) Don’t read too much into it: When I first started my business, I thought it was all about me. When I was rejected, I took it very, very personally. Then I realized rejection is just rejection. People have all kinds of reasons for rejecting what you’re offering, in most cases it actually has nothing to do with you, but with their current situation.

3) Don’t look to other people to validate your worth: If you are constantly looking to other people to verify that you are worthy, you’ll be walking down a very shaky path. You are in essence giving them your life to do so what they please. Know your own value and believe in what you do. When someone rejects you it doesn’t mean you are not worth it, it simply means they have other ideas.

4) Take inventory: Look at each rejection as a learning experience. Take an inventory of successes and loses. Evaluate what’s working and what may not be. Then take action to fix it.

5) Delight in rejection: I know you can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m a firm believer that all things happen for a reason. I believe each failure or rejection brings us that much closer to our success. You must have heard the saying “When one door closes, another opens.”

And most importantly, share your rejection. Talk about it with someone close to you, it will just be a reminder that everyone experiences rejection at one time or another, it’s not just you.