Hearing “No” to Help You Grow
To advance your professional goals, learn to cope with rejection.
It’s never easy being rejected and hearing “No.” Yet, it’s a necessary part of our professional growth. Whether applying for a job or making a sale, you can expect many nos before you hear your first “Yes.”
Furthermore, in my experience if everyone is saying yes, something may be wrong. Being challenged and rejected is not the same as being dismissed, and there is often thought and consideration behind a no. Learning those considerations can be helpful to your understanding of what works well and what is not optimal with your messaging.
I’ve learned a couple of helpful approaches to dealing with a no:
Yes lives in the land of No. Certain things must be asked for repeatedly before you will hear “Yes.” This includes jobs, sales, and – just ask any performer – acting roles. Each No gets you closer to a Yes, like stepping stones to your ultimate destination.
Yes helps your business. No helps you. I learned this from my sales coach, and it comes to mind often when I get no for an answer. One way hearing no helps is by giving you a definitive signal that it’s time to move on and try again with a new prospect. And since you’ve already practiced your message, you can feel more confident about repeating it. Practice makes perfect. Plus, recall the first approach — that last no just got you closer to a yes.
Getting used to hearing no can also thicken your skin, and help you cope with each subsequent rejection. Here’s to moving closer and closer to a nice big YES! ◼︎
