Hey! 

That first freelance rejection can hurt. But what can be worse is the 50^th, or the one that comes on a big project that you really wanted, or before a gig that you really needed. 

“No” can feel like a curse…but it’s actually one of the best things that happens to you as a freelancer. 

To take full advantage, most of us have to make a shift and reframe how we engage with “No”…so this month, we’re going to cover the reasons that rejection is so valuable to you as a freelancer…and something you can even learn to appreciate.   

“Yes” is overrated

You know the saying that “not all money is good money”? The same applies to freelance work. 

There’s a common story a lot of freelancers have. It involves taking on a client that actually slowed down or even caused damage to their business. (I have one myself that came from working through an agency after I promised to never do that again.)

Every “yes” isn’t great and on the flip side, every No isn’t bad. (Think of all the scammers out here that would GLAD to get attention from you as a freelancer.)

The wrong “Yes” can lead you off your strategy…and the right “No” can keep you on your path and give you valuable information in refining your sales and marketing. 

Part of making friends with “No” is developing a more balanced and detached relationship with prospect and client responses—learning to simply accept them for what they are without attaching too much emotional value. 

This is a trait that’s valuable not only in business, but life itself…because you just never know where a relationship is headed. 

Have any stories of freelance work not turning out the way you expected? Swing by the BF Discord to get feedback and help other freelancers out. 

Megan (Nutmeg)