Every salesperson will face rejection and hear “no”. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This is because sometimes hearing a “no” can teach us certain things that we would have never learned if we never were rejected and heard “no.
Rejection isn’t personal, but instead it’s instructive. When salespeople hear “no”, they often times take it to hear but when in reality, it’s not about you and instead it could be about timing, fit, and beliefs. But how you respond to this rejection IS personal. Do you shut down? get defensive? Or do you reflect on the interaction, learn from it, and adapt and become better because of it?
One way to help to view rejection as a positive thing is to treat every “no” as data and reflecting on the data by asking yourself “what did I miss?”, “did I fail to ask enough questions? Or the right questions?”, “was I pushing instead of serving?” These are all important questions to reflect on so we can learn how to be better salespeople.
Faith teaches us that rejection often redirects us toward something better. For example, in Romans 8:28, it remind us that “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” So don’t get discouraged because everything you face in life will work together for your good even if it doesn’t seem like it. In fact, in hearing “no” and facing rejection, God may be refining your character, no just your sales skills.
Lastly, I would encourage you to build a habit of journaling after sales conversations. Asking yourself:
- “What went well?”
- “What can I improve on?”
- “What did I learn about myself?”
Overtime, these questions will help you become the best version of yourself. Not just in the workplace, but in every aspect of your life.
SchrieberBE23 
FrenchJA21 
andersonsa22
making sure when you get a no that you dont take it as personal is something you have to always be careful of.
One thing that has been helpful for me in dealing with failure is thinking of it as working out or bodybuilding. ‘Going to failure” is a common thing heard in working out. Essentially, if you lose out on a sale then you’re just getting more ‘buff’. You will get ’em next time, champ!
This is a very thoughtful post. I remember in class learning about the “role” you is different from the “real” you in helping not to take a no to heart. I really appreciate your insight into Romans 8:28. I have certainly had my share of ‘nos’ in life, and am so grateful that my faith in Christ can give me assurance that every ‘no’ is for my good.