Getting rejected in sales is not a choice you can make. But getting back up is.
3 tips on how to recovery better and faster after a rejection.
If you are in sales, there is no better way to learn than failing to close a deal.
The taste of rejection might jerk you a little but it is quite an essential ingredient of life as a sales professional.
Rejection, however, still sucks. And it keeps many potentially great salespeople with bright futures from achieving a higher level of success. Here’s 3 tips to help you can beat rejection before it beats your emotional strength:
1. Start with assuming somebody will reject you no matter what.
Check these stats:
i) Only 2% of cold calls result in an appointment.
ii) 80% of all sales require 5 follow-ups to close a deal. [Hubspot 2016]
What do they tell you? Sales is a hard and tedious game. So don’t take it personally when somebody rejects you. There could be many reasons like the competition, pricing, previous experience with sales reps or simply their mood. Detaching from the tempting feeling that it could be your fault is what is key to keep playing the long game. (which brings us to our tip #2)
2. Not being easy to bounce back? Apply emotional first-aid.
Scientists say that different people’s brains are wired to respond differently when faced with rejection. An interesting research in 2010 discovered that the same areas of our brain become activated when we experience rejection as when we experience physical pain. So yeah, for some, getting rejected feels like getting punched in the face. You might not change that pain except you can choose to NOT SUFFER.
The greatest damage rejection causes is usually self-inflicted. Just when our self-esteem is hurting most, we go and damage it even further. — Guy Winch
Pause briefly and reflect on your most meaningful contributions and connections in life. Find a way to apply some emotional first-aid. Think of your strengths or talk to a friend or a loved day.
Remembering your previous accomplishments or customer testimonials too will boost your self-esteem, reduce your emotional pain and build your confidence going forward.
3. Wide your net and grow your chances.
The best way to move on is by putting your foot back on the gas and going to the next prospect on the list. ASAP. Don’t let a dent stop you from having a great day. That’s why it’s very important to ensure you cast a wider net and have more opportunities in your plate. Sales is a numbers game. Beat the odds by growing your chances to win more deals. Make use of latest intelligent sales tools that can maximize your chances. Don’t carry your past baggage to the next sale. Put on your positive attitude and sweep your next customer off their feet.