How To Handle Rejection Like A Pro

When was the last time you got full-on, hard pass, no way, José, rejected by a potential client?

(Sorry if this is bringing up ✨trauma✨, but I promise this conversation is worth having!)

As human beings and business owners, we are hard-wired to be afraid of being rejected and hearing “no.”

Because, like, in most cases, it SUUUUCKS.

(It’s like the business equivalent of your high school crush telling you that they “think you are such a great friend!!!! 🙃🙃🙃)

But, hear me out on this one — what if rejection isn’t actually as bad and horrible as it feels in the heat of the moment?

This is a controversial yet brave opinion, I know

Listen, I’m not suggesting that you need to become a masochist who lives for the thrill of being rejected,

I just want to highlight that rejection is not all bad, especially if you know how to capitalize on the value it can offer.

Over the past three years of my business, I have been rejected time and time again by potential clients, some that stung more than others.

But, through this, I have learned some valuable lessons that have made my business better and stronger than I ever thought possible:

#1 — Rejection validates that you are growing

Are you stuck in your comfort zone?

When you work as a solo freelancer, it is super normal to get scared to increase your rates, reach out to new clients, and advocate for more work.

But, if you want to grow and make your business more sustainable and successful, sorry pal, you gotta do it.

You are the CEO of your business and it is your job to advocate for yourself, your work, and your value.

And to do that, it means putting yourself out there, asking for more work and pay, and being comfortable hearing “no” a whole heck of a lot.

While I am in no way suggesting that getting told “no” is fun and pleasant, it is also a badge of honor of you learning your boundaries, pushing your limits, and learning how to accurately value your skills and knowledge.

So, if you have been hit with a slew of rejections lately, use it as a reminder to yourself that you are pushing yourself to improve — all growth comes with growing pains and periods of transition, and this toooooo shalllllll passssssss 🧙‍♂️

(It’s not the exact LOTR quote, but please just give me this one lol)

#2 — Rejection allows you to collect valuable feedback

Rejection can sting particularly hard when you are so close to hearing a yes.

(We’ve all been strung along by a client hoping for something to materialize, just to get let down at the last possible moment. It sucks so bad!)

If you are ever in this position, instead of shutting down and wallowing in your sorrow with delicious ice cream, I highly recommend reaching out to the potential client to ask for feedback.

What were the reasons as to why you weren’t chosen? Do they have suggestions on how you can improve your pitches in the future? Do they know other people who could be interested in your services?

They may not answer, but if they do, you just get instant access into the minds of other clients you might want to work with in the future,

And you can use this info to improve your office and pitch to land better clients down the line. And that’s a big, big win for you to come out of a rejection!

(Also, just to be clear, you should still do the ice cream thing, just after you ask for feedback lol)

#3 — Rejection opens your schedule for new work

Finally, while it is always exciting to take on a new client and start a new project,

Taking on the wrong project just because they said “yes” can sometimes do more damage than being rejected.

When you are just starting out as a writer, it is really hard to know which clients are right for you.

Like anything else, it’s a learning curve to see what works best for you — and as you start to mature as a business owner, you will start to be able to better identify clients with who you want to work with,

(And those who you are more than OK passing on)

Not to get too cliché up in here, but the old saying is true:

When one door closes, others open — and I have found this to be a helpful mindset to adopt after hearing a “no” from a client I really wanted to work for.

(Of course, I still cry about it to my partner and therapist, but hey, that’s just part of the fun of running your own business!)

You need to get rejected in order to grow

Basically, if you aren’t hearing no, you aren’t valuing your work and your worth enough to command the level of respect your services and business deserve.

And honestly, being stuck working for less is a much bigger sadness than hearing “no” from a potential client any day.

So, what are your thoughts — do you fear rejection, or do you seek it out? Have you used a client rejection to improve your business? I’d love to hear from you, so please let me know!

I hope this article helps you feel less scared to send clients a higher rate or more strongly advocate for yourself and your business

Because you deserve to be paid and respected for your work — and to do so, you are going to hear “no” from people as you climb up the ladder!