Navigating Rejection in business- Finding Diamonds in the Rough.

In the crazy world of entrepreneurship, rejection is an inevitable companion on the journey to success.

As a virtual assistant, I've faced my fair share of setbacks and rejections while spreading the gospel of delegation to fellow entrepreneurs. But amidst the "almosts" that turn to ghosting and the discovery calls that end in mismatched expectations, I've learned a valuable lesson – rejection is not the end, but merely a detour on the road to greatness.

I wish I could say like Cicely Tyson that 'rejections do not move me'

They still do sometimes. Especially when they happen back-to-back.

I am still learning to accept them- to navigate through them and not go over them. And most importantly to learn from them if they bear a lesson.

Let me take you on a little personal journey through the highs and lows of overcoming rejection in the world of business. In my corner of that world that is. Picture this: a chain of three referrals leading to my dream client.

The journey began when a long-term client whom I was working with referred me to a co-founder of a renewable energy company. Excitedly, I dove into the opportunity, eager to showcase my skills and expertise.

Yet, despite my best efforts, it became apparent that our visions didn't quite align – a classic case of mismatched expectations. Disheartened but undeterred, I pressed on, knowing that the right opportunity was just around the corner. Not forgeting to share with them my best lead for who I thought was the perfect fit for them.

Sure enough, the co-founder of the renewable energy company saw potential in my services and decided to pay it forward by referring me to an inspiring CEO of a coffee chain. I said to myself 'Surely this is the one'. With renewed optimism, I eagerly pursued the opportunity, hoping that this would be the breakthrough I had been waiting for. But once again, it wasn't meant to be. Said CEO's needs for the role he was hiring for were not those I could provide services for and the partnership fell through.

At this point, it would have been easy to succumb to disappointment and despair. It took me some time but I refused to let rejection define my journey and tried to see it as a redirection of sorts. A blessing and not a curse- something not meant to be, for my and someone else's good.

And then, like a beacon of light amidst the darkness, it happened. My previous potential recruiter, referred me to someone who was looking for someone with my expertise. Long story short, they became my current client. From the moment we connected, it was evident that this was the partnership I had been waiting for. Our values aligned, our visions harmonized, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Looking back on my journey 2 months after, I'm reminded of a valuable lesson – rejection is not a reflection of our worth or abilities, but merely a redirection towards greater opportunities.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed by disappointment and rejection while navigating their entrepreneurial journey, this is for you – you may be in the tempest of the storm now, but good things are coming your way. Don't turn your back just yet.

Virtually yours,

Connie