Issue 103: Does a “No” Close the Door?
“Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”
- Charles R. Swindoll
Last week a client shared his disappointment when he received a “no” about a sale when he thought he was getting a “yes.” Wouldn’t it be great if we never had to deal with rejections?!
Over the past 10 years, I’ve often told my clients and workshop participants, “No means not today. But, no doesn’t mean forever.”
We don’t always know what’s happening behind closed doors with our potential customers. What doesn’t work for a potential client today could very well work for the client tomorrow. This hit home when a high-powered couple came back to sign a contract two years after telling me “no.” The husband had several health issues they had to overcome before they felt comfortable signing a high-value contract. Change happens.
For the past two years, the Chapter Leadership Chair for National Speakers Association has asked me to be part of the Leadership Committee. The position involves working with assigned presidents and presidents-elect to help them grow their chapters and create strong communities.
Congrats on five years as an NSA professional member!1
Coming off several years as co-president of the Pittsburgh Chapter while managing cancer treatments, I said, “no.” I needed time to focus on my recovery and my business. So last year, I did precisely that—I worked “on” my business, updated my programs to reflect our shifting world, designed digital courses, and published two new business books.
When the Leadership Chair called this year, we discussed my responsibility and what would be involved. This time, I said, “yes.” My business has changed. I was ready the same way my high-powered clients were when their personal situation changed. What’s interesting is this past weekend, I received my five-year NSA professional member pin.
As tough as rejections can be, when we remember “no means not today,” we can stay in contact with the potential client yet move on with a positive mindset. We can Bounce-Up™!
Bounce-Up™ Business Momentum
When have you said “yes” when you needed to say “no”?
What do you say to yourself to overcome rejections?
Do you need time to work “on” your career or business?
Mj Happenings
I’ll travel to Wilmington, NC later this week for business.
Details about my new branded products are coming soon!
In September I'll be kicking off my second training program with a German-based company.
Until next time, Power-Up, Play-Up™, and Bounce-Up™!
Mj
P.S. Need to increase your sales follow-up? Check out 13 Simple Client Follow-Up Strategies.
