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How to persevere through rejection    

Does a “no” today mean “no” forever? Absolutely not.

For some people, hearing “no” means facing rejection that will indefinitely knock you down.

Actors, athletes and business professionals have each faced rejection at some point in time, and sales reps working in various industries hear it daily. It is those individuals that bounce back and try again that succeed.

Refusing to accept “no” is achieved by developing a deep resilience within and believing in yourself and what you want.

Accepting rejection as part of the package is the first step. Not everyone is going to like or agree with you. In fact, some people will be downright critical of your actions because they are displeased within themselves or are simply closed-minded.

Keep moving forward

So how do you convey your message and keep going after you hear “no”?

Question your timing as people may not change their minds until they obtain more information and feel comfortable.

If you are selling a product or service, hearing “no” after the first conversation means “I don’t have enough knowledge about you;” “I am tied up with other things, and am unable to focus on this topic;” or “I am not even the right person to speak with.”

Saying “no” to someone is easy, as it requires effort to listen. Keep this in mind when you make your next cold call. Hearing an initial “no” does not even count as a real rejection. It is all perception.

While you don’t want to harass anyone and overdo focusing on the wrong people, trying again will ensure success at some point in your journey.

Towards a success mindset

Refuse to take “no” for an answer when going after your goals.

Develop a winning attitude and a success mindset. View criticism as either helpful information or information that you refuse to let in.

Constructive criticism is positive and encouraging. Destructive criticism only serves one purpose — and that is to knock you down. Do not let it in. Call it out on the spot in a calm relaxed voice.

The bottom line? Be clear about your goals. Be clear about what you want.

Refuse to stop until you get it.

In sales and business, this is absolutely everything. Get up after being knocked down, discarded or rejected.

Absolutely anyone who has gotten where they are today has faced the exact same challenges.

No one sees it because it is rarely disclosed.

Nicole Attias is a business writer and prospect coach based in Toronto. She can be reached at nicole@prospect2win.com.