How do you keep your spirits up when everyone says NO?

Jan Asimov Marketing Manager at Startups

September 18th, 2016

This is probably the word that we as entrepreneurs have to hear left and right during the process of building a company. Do you have some words of wisdom on how to keep your spirits up when this is rejection keeps coming your way?

Amanda Winstead Talent Acquisition Specialist

September 18th, 2016

People know if you are sincere or not. If you are interfacing with them in public at events do not talk shop but instead get to know them if it is a business after hours or even wal-mart. Always network. If it is a meeting, go in the office and look around for a sports team, University they graduated from and make some small talk and remember the names and little things so that if you get no today that you will call back on the right day and remember that Duke Fan or Fact the Debbie has a Daughter that just moved to Canada and ask about it. Open ended questions that are finding the pain before you offer which solution and know your competitor but do not bad mouth them. If this was easy, everyone would do it but it is scary on our own and time can get limited with one person. If you really want this- start to love rejection. Call them next quarter and realize that on the right day that they will potentially be one of your largest accounts. I would find someone that is where you want to be and get your own mentor or daily motivational videos to watch. Are you using social media or how is this process allocated and is it a time consuming "no" or you give up after five calls? I have been there. Caleb Maddix is 15 years old and after ten calls he convinced a business owner to write him a 10K check to come speak for his company. Take the people that are losing ego, killing it, and hustle. Ego got to me because people that see you leave the corporate world may wait for you to fail. Then, the pressure of cash-flow and time. Write about this part of it and visualize yourself where you want to be in the next five years living like most people can't because of this year and next. Be the inspiration for someone else one day but unless it is just not for you and unhealthy. Mindset is key so expect a yes and give off the energy that says yes instead of appreciating their business not seeing it as a partnership. Don't go down on your prices either or undersell yourself to think that helps. Shortcuts just doesn't create long term success so enjoy this journey... you have to have patience and crush the sales calls. Stay in your lane and be you- give, give, then ask for what they can do for you. If you give them 51% to their 49% - you will see consistency and momentum build. Don't listen to what people tell you to fix in yourself but harness on your strengths and drive that home.

David Mulhall-Brown Data-driven customer management professional

September 19th, 2016

I didn't realise it at the time, but one of the best side-effects of being part of an accelerator programme is the comradery you have with the other teams.

Although the programme itself was helpful in organising our business, and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world, the follow-up meetings we have once a month (founders only) have been a godsend for our collective mental health. Just being able to speak openly and honestly about the day-to-day struggles is hugely therapeutic.

I'd highly recommend finding a few other founders you can meet with on a regular basis and discuss your trials and tribulations. We're based in London but I'm sure there are some people you can find near you.

Good luck and keep your powder dry!

World Changer & Ninja Marketeer Improving everything one day at a time...

September 18th, 2016

I have been trying to recruit people to promote a revolutionary new mobile app where they actually PAY you to do it unlike Pokemon or candy Crush/Angry birds etc., have big time celebs like Manny Pacquiao and Evander Holyfield signed up, and you STILL have to convince people that they should get into it, with no risk whatsoever, no commitment. This is the deal, its kinda like sales... only 1% of people will actually hear you and agree and take... and THEN only about 5% will really put the legwork in and take advantage of the opportunity.

Its really just a human thing... you are way ahead of the curve, and thats the way all pioneers and intrepid leaders think and feel. Its the ones that believe they are doing good are the ones that will persevere. Just believe in the numbers, 1:100, then 5:100... you will feel much better about your results.

Good luck!

Jay Lee
http://betterfantasygaming.com

Zack Wilson

September 19th, 2016

I like Seth Godin for this too - he talks about reversing the mindset and treating each "no" as one step closer to a "yes". Make sure you're taking something away from each experience, but don't let the experiences take something away from you.

Mikhail Gorelkin Principal AI Architect & Developer

September 18th, 2016

Do what you must, come what may. --Leo Tolstoy

Bridge Firm East Coast Executive Search | Advanced Manufacturing

September 18th, 2016

For me, I started to follow Gary Vaynerchuk. I came across him on YouTube when I was feeling like quitting and soon became one of his biggest fans. - I hope this helps- it's a hustle.

Bridge Firm East Coast Executive Search | Advanced Manufacturing

September 18th, 2016

Email me @ b2nrecruiting@gmail.com if you want. I think it should be a support group for the "entrepreneurs". I found that I had to change my passion in the process and build relationships.

Anonymous

September 18th, 2016

Nope, there is no magic bean for the no blues. Determine if everyone is saying no because you aren't well thought out or sellable, if thats not the case you might want to replace yourself as the medium to which they receive information and hire someone with the skills to sell, and if that isn't it then you are dealing with the remaining negativity we all deal with sometimes. NO Sugarcoating allowed.

Michael Leeds CEO & Founder

September 18th, 2016

Jan,

I added a video comment that I hope helps @

http://api.chainapp.net/viewChain.php?chainId=4219

Hopefully you and others will add to the thread because many entrepreneurs can likely benefit from your question.

--ml

Donavon Urfalian A.I. Engineer / Entrepreneur / Founder & CEO @ Umazed / Kodo Startups

September 18th, 2016

Be internally driven, and don't let the outside waver your determination, while keeping in mind you cannot create a market that doesn't want to exist by created a solution in the form of a product or service to a problem made up in the mind of the founder that doesn't reflect a real solution to a real problem that captures an experience in a product hook.

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