Turn Rejection into a Learning Experience When You Network

Who hasn’t been surprised when we have worked hard on a proposal, inquiry or connection of any kind – and then the recipient goes radio silent?

Often people don’t know how to “reject “ us so they do nothing and that can often leave us waiting, in limbo and basically – we just want to know.

Others, unfortunately, are discourteous and may have forgotten what it feels like if the shoe was on the other foot.
There may be no interest or some uncertainty, however, I would much rather someone –

“Tell me”

T – thank me for my proposal and follow up.
E – express gratitude and explain why the project
didn’t move forward.
L – leave the door open– (Life is short and funny–
one never knows who knows who…)
L – let me learn from the experience – what could I
have done better to move the project; connection
further?

M – maintain strong professionalism and character by
briefly following up, no matter what.
E – end it gracefully and with class.

Brief and to the point. We are all on both sides of this scenario all the time – I know that I try to practice it and if for no other reason – to be kind to another person.

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Andrea Nierenberg

Andrea Nierenberg is president of The Nierenberg Consulting Group which provides training to organizations in sales, customer service, networking, relationship marketing, presentation /public speaking skills, and executive coaching. Her extensive sales and marketing experience has helped her develop premier training methods, all focusing on one principle: take care of your business relationships, and your business will prosper. She has written five business books:Million Dollar Networking: The Sure Way to Find, Grow and Keep Your Business , Nonstop Networking: How to Improve Your Life, Luck and Career, Savvy Networking- 118 Fast and Effective Tips for Business Success and Networking for the College Student and Recent Graduate, Networking for Veterans. www.nierenberggroup.com