So you’ve been rejected. Now what?

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In the case of pitching your business idea to investors, showing your lookbook to a new wholesale client, or sending your press release to media, it’s possible to work through some of the effects of rejection before it happens.

First, perfect your pitch. When approaching investors or press, know your audience and do your homework. “It’s not you, it’s me.” is an easier line to swallow, when you’ve brought forward the best you.

Next, ask yourself about the likelihood of rejection in each case. What are the odds of receiving funding or landing press? Brace yourself—balance confidence in your business with a realistic understanding of the potential outcomes.


1. No pain, no gain: Reframe the rejection. One of Michael’s response indonesia phone data emails stated that “Messenger apps are dead”. “I knew they were wrong,” he says, “Now, I want to print and frame that and put it up in the office.” Visual reminders of the pain of rejection can serve as motivators.

“By the time I was fourteen the nail in my wall would no longer support the weight of the rejection slips impaled upon it. I replaced the nail with a spike and went on writing.” ― Stephen King, via On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft



2. Learn from it: Why were you rejected? A “no” answer is an invitation back to the drawing board. Was it your pitch? Are you marketing your products to the wrong audience? Read every rejection letter, every negative customer email or review, and find the constructive criticism within them.

“In the very early days, I’d try to recalibrate because I wanted so badly for them to buy in to me. That was a huge mistake. At the end of the day, you have to believe in me. Do you think I can win the race? Yes or no? This is what you get. Instead of trying to hide it, now I embrace it. I say, ‘You’re right: I didn’t go to some Ivy League school and I didn’t come from wealthy parents, but you know what? I have a very good work ethic. I have a lot of dedication.’ I think that people try so badly to fit the mould that they lose their own identity. I learned that you have to be authentic.” – Michael Perry