Hey!
That first freelance rejection can hurt. But what can be worse is the 50th, 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.
How to make friends with “No”
So how do you make better use of rejection? First, work your strategy.
When you have a documented strategy to work with, “No” turns into information you can immediately apply.
Second, use systems. When you have systems, you’ll develop templates and canned responses to every “not yet” or “that’s too expensive” so a “No” simply becomes another signal to respond to. They also help you not get stuck too long in the feeling. (This article covers a few you can use and this book seems to be popular.)
Third, talk it out. That’s what the BF community is for. If No has you frustrated,
sometimes it’s helpful to run it past other freelancers.
A great place to start? Is this community. Join the BF Discord to share what you’re seeing and learn from the rest of the BF community. Hope to see you soon!
Megan
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