When I started in the insurance business, I made hundreds of cold calls. I got accustomed to rejection. It still hurt sometimes, but I learned it was a natural part of successful selling.
No one likes rejection.
Your proposal. Your product. Your presentation.
You love it. You believe in it. You want it to go forward. How could anyone reject what you’ve put your heart into?
It’s difficult not to take rejection personally, but it should be understood that rejection isn’t always personal.
The next time you face rejection, consider these questions:
Is it true? – Many times rejection has no basis of truth. People may reject because of their own misunderstandings or their unwillingness to accept something new. If you are selling a product, they may not want what you have to sell. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have a poor product, only that it doesn’t match their needs.
Is it about you? - If it’s personal rejection then that’s one thing, but if it’s rejection of something you only represent then it should be viewed differently; not taken personally. That goes for a product you sell or a Gospel you tell. If someone rejects the Gospel they aren’t rejecting you a much as they are God. Let Him deal with that. (If it is about you, refer to some of these other questions.)
Is it from a source that matters? – You aren’t called to minister to everyone. A mentor once told me to find my affirmation among the people God sent me to minister to. Great advice.
Is it permanent? - Sometimes people say no many times before they say yes. Persistence often makes the difference with great salespeople. No one likes a pest either, but don’t be quick to dismiss an opportunity that may still be there.
Is it changeable? – Did the rejection have more to do with the presentation than the product? Perhaps there is a better way to make your case. Maybe this is a learning experience for future presentations. Rejection can be a great teaching tool. Learn from it.
