Handling Rejection, or Processing the Right of Refusal
It is often why people claim they do not like sales. They say it is the rejection. Are you handling rejection in the right way? Is it rejection or really just a refusal of your offer?
We may be living in a cynical world. Some social media channels offer the option for a thumbs up, or a thumbs down. Some posts get many clicks and some get few or none. Harsh comments, nasty or angry posts, and people just looking to pick a fight.
How do you accomplish your best work? What happens when your work is rejected? Imagine if you are not the successful candidate for the job, or the big sale you were attempting to close was given to someone else. What do you do, or how do you feel?
Brutal Truth
Often the brutal truth is that your work, your skills, or your offering is right for someone, it just isn’t right for them.
Another possibility, but much less of a probability, is that they don’t understand your work. Your work was exceptional but they misunderstand it. You were the best candidate but you weren’t compelling enough. Perhaps, they couldn’t make an emotional connection to your offer.
Yet another possibility is that everything was perfect but that they were already leaning towards someone else.
Some of these things are fixable. Some will not matter regardless of any effort or repair.
Handling Rejection
What may be most valuable and most important is that at least now you have an answer. Answers are rare today. The cynical world sometimes clashes with the legal world and while silence feels vain, it is all you will get. Sales professionals will tell you, “The client went dark on me.”
What is the best way of handling rejection or a refusal of your offer?
Say, “Thanks so much, I really appreciate you letting me know.”
– DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a five-time author and some of his work includes, #CustServ The Customer Service Culture, and Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
