8 Ways Salespeople Can Quickly Get Over Rejection
One of the more difficult aspects of sales is dealing with rejection while working toward a “yes.” Many salespeople find that being rejected slows them down and affects their morale, which then becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy: you lack confidence because you lose deals, and you lose deals because you lack confidence.
Fortunately, rejection need not be catastrophic, and experienced sales reps have, without exception, learned how to deal with rejection in a level-headed, positive way. It’s these coping techniques that can make the difference between a sales rep who proceeds confidently after being told “no,” and the one who can’t stop thinking about the loss for days.
If you want to be the former, try some of these techniques that can help you get over rejection:
1. Expect it
Rejection is going to happen because it’s part of the role. Once you truly understand this, it won’t be so jarring, and you can move on to the next.
2. Keep your pipeline full
Rejection stings much more when you don’t have any other deals in process. Keeping your pipeline full allows you to avoid relying on any single deal, and ensures that rejection is just a blip on the radar.
3. Don’t take it personally
It’s just business, and you’re well served to remember that. Taking rejection personally magnifies it into more than it really is, and warps your perception of its importance. Move on and don’t take it personally.
4. Remember that you’re a professional
Part of your job is dealing with rejection, and you should do it in a positive, professional way. When you get a “no,” just remember that you’re a professional doing a job, and act accordingly.
5. Immediately do something productive
Sitting around and ruminating is one of the worst things you can do. Instead, dust yourself off and reach out to your next prospect, or do something else that will move the needle. Stop thinking and start doing.
6. Vent to your coworkers
While you don’t want to make a habit of complaining, it’s perfectly fine to vent to your coworkers after a rejection. They are, after all, going to understand where you’re coming from, and might be able to help.
7. Try to learn something from it
Experience is the best teacher, and being rejected can help us learn what not to do. Think about what you could have done differently, then make sure you don’t make the same mistake twice.
8. Look at the big picture
While it might sting, the negative feelings from being rejected are fleeting, and if you look at the big picture, one prospect is unlikely to determine your fate. Take a step back and remember that a year from now, you’re unlikely to even remember what happened, let alone give it a second thought.
