I still remember the very first time I decided to ask a co-worker/friend to attend a direct sales opportunity meeting with me. This was about 10 years ago, I was new to the business and terrified at the idea of rejection, to say the least. We worked together in the same department and I knew she wanted something more out of life, she hated her job. It was late afternoon on a Friday, just 10 minutes before quitting time. I'd intended to invite her on Monday of that same week, but fear prevailed. As I walked over to her desk I heard an annoying hum in the background the entire time. It was my mind saying over and over again, "I'm going to die if she says no, I'm going to die if she says no".

Somehow, I managed to get the words out my mouth, "Hey Tara, do you want to go to a business opportunity meeting with me on Sunday?" Tara promptly laughed and said loudly, "Girl, do I look like one of those desperate people looking for a "get rich quick" scheme to join?" Somehow, I don't remember how, I managed to "pick my face up off the floor", say goodbye to Tara and the other five co-workers that laughed with her, get out the building and into my car, whereupon I broke down in tears. My invite had been clearly rejected and ridiculed; it was not a good Friday.

Yet I did not die.

Ultimately, I built a decent size direct sales business with that company. I had lots of dedicated consultants in my downline and many happy customers. Of course, there were occasions when I invited people to learn more about my business and products...and no one said YES. Some said YES, many said NO.

Soon, I began to understand something about rejection: it ain't personal.

Seriously.

As a matter a fact, almost every time someone said NO to my product or opportunity, it was NOT about me!
The reasons ranged from "not enough time in the day" to "I don't like the product samples" to “I don't like to sell." Not one time did someone say, "I don't like YOU British". In other words, when someone tells you NO or doesn't return your phone call, they are not rejecting YOU, they are rejecting what you are offering.
The bottom line is your business, products or services will be rejected from time to time...and you WILL survive! I've managed to survive many episodes of business or product rejection and I'm still here...alive, committed and kickin'!! THRIVING!

Here are a few points to remember when that dreaded "fear of rejection" attempts to hold you back:
  • You are only the messenger. If you don't share your opportunity or products with the world, your world, will never know.

 

  • Consider your invitation a gift. Look at your offer as a gift that your prospect can choose to open or not. Your only responsibility is to share the gift with others, the rest is up to them.

 

  •  You are not your business opportunity or product. You are a living, breathing person that offers a product, service or opportunity to others...period. You are much bigger than any business, more precious than any product. Remember, you are the messenger and representative...NOT the product itself. Sure, you add value to the product, but you are not the item or company. When someone rejects the product or business, don't take it personal...it's not about you. That's a good thing.

 

  • Give your gift freely and without expectation. Share your business opportunity or products for the sheer love of giving. Don't offer your "Gift" expecting anything in return. Your prospect will choose to say yes or no. If you look at your business this way, you will remove the pressure of fear and just share what you have to offer...fearlessly. You will be surprised at how liberating this will be. Your business will probably grow because you are not caught up in fear of rejection, just love for sharing something you believe in.

After all these years I am still around, spreading the "gift" of succeeding in direct sales with everyone that wants to listen. Trust me, I'm living proof that rejection won't kill you!

To your success,

British