In truth everybody suffers from rejection. Maslow in his hierarchy of needs identified that a fundament need for humans is being liked. And if you think deeply you will come to the conclusion that you want to be liked to. Unfortunately, the reality is that people will say “no’ to you and not all people can like you. Let me ask you this “do you like everyone you meet”? Regardless of who you are the answer would be no.
The rejections that you are taking on in sales may be a result of the product/service not being suitable, timing of when you have presented the offer or lack of money.
People react in many ways and there will be those who will:
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say “no” and be nice
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say “no” and are rude. If people are rude to you then who has the problem you or them?
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have no need
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don’t have the money
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not the right time
Rejection is not to be taken personally
This means that rejection is part of the process and like you; many others go through the same process. What is important to remember is that the rejection is not being targeted at you specifically? The person that is “rejecting you” is going through the same process of you; they also want to be liked.
Remember: Every Rejection Brings You Closer to a Sale
There are other fears at play when we look at what stops sales people. The human brain is wired to look out for fear, the amiglia is a primal part of the brain which has been programmed to protect us against danger. Sometime though it does go a little “haywire” and gets carried away.
Consider the following:
Fear of Success
Imagine doing really well in sales month after month and each time your sales targets are being set higher. You start to feel that no matter how well you do the goal posts keep changing and you have to work harder to achieve targets. Or if too successful your colleagues may look up to you and possibly make you feel uncomfortable.
Fear of Failure
The fear of failure is the most paralyzing of all fears. It can be so feared that it stops people from understanding or achieving their full potential. This fear can also cause procrastination rather than getting on and doing it which in turn affect sales figures and of course the prophecy has been forfilled.
Fear of the Unknown
Fear of the unknown is a fear of not knowing where you going to end up. What if it takes you to areas of work that you are not comfortable discussing, e.g. money. What if the call generates more work than what you are willing to do?
Fear can stop us from doing or achieving so much in our lives. Take some time for yourself to identify your personal fears, and how you are going to tackle them, and eventually overcome them.