How to Handle Client Rejection
Rejection is a fact of life. Every one of us, from the time we are children, experience rejection of some kind. Perhaps you received last place in a coloring contest, got dumped by your boyfriend, or as a small business owner, lost a big client. The natural ebb and flow of business is to earn clients and lose clients, but what matters most is how you deal with that rejection because that can make or break your business.
How have you dealt with rejection in your life? In business, it is imperative that you don't take rejection personally. It's JUST business! I know, whether it is business or not, rejection hurts, and it is hard NOT to take it personally. But, until you walk a step in your clients' shoes, you have NO idea what is going in on their head. (And, you probably don't want to know, anyway!!)
So, when that day comes that you lose a big client, here are 3 rules to live by:
1.) Be gracious
During your last conversation with your new ex-client, you may want to reach into the phone or across the table and strangle them. Please don't! Some of us might have handled disagreements on the playground in that matter, but in the professional world, that doesn't bode well for your reputation. Instead, remember to be grateful for the business your client HAS given you in the past. Thank your client from the bottom of your heart, and actually mean it! Whether you have worked for that client for one year or only one project, his financial contribution to your business (assuming he paid!) made a difference in your life and your business. Be grateful for that.
2.) Learn from the situation
There are lessons to be learned in everything we do, from shopping at the grocery store to working on projects for clients. The key to success is learning from YOUR mistakes, and the mistakes of OTHERS so you don't make them again! Perhaps you lost a client from a mistake that you made. Oops! That happens. Don't make excuses, instead, learn from it so you don't make that same mistake again. I read something once that said "once you have a thought, your mind will never go back to it's original state." I take that to mean, that with each new lesson, I am growing as a person, a business woman and more importantly, a mom.
3.) Don't burn bridges
What happens if your client breakup is a really BAD one and they never want to see your face again? Unfortunately, for some small business owners, they think that they will never HAVE to see their ex-client again. Well...news flash! It's a small world, and someday you might have to cross back over the bridge you just burnt to ashes. If your relationship is smoldering (about to catch fire), perhaps you have a heart-to-heart, either in person, over the phone or in a letter, and try to smooth things over. Realistically, you won't do business with that client again, however, depending on your professionalism at this moment, you might have the chance to work with them again. Just remember, your ex-client knows a lot of people who may ask for a reference!
So, the fact of the matter is, you're going to lose clients. But, your attitude and professionalism during that time is all that really matters. Just remember, losing one client will open the door to being able to serve another. Happy relationship building!
How have you dealt with rejection in your life? In business, it is imperative that you don't take rejection personally. It's JUST business! I know, whether it is business or not, rejection hurts, and it is hard NOT to take it personally. But, until you walk a step in your clients' shoes, you have NO idea what is going in on their head. (And, you probably don't want to know, anyway!!)
So, when that day comes that you lose a big client, here are 3 rules to live by:
1.) Be gracious
During your last conversation with your new ex-client, you may want to reach into the phone or across the table and strangle them. Please don't! Some of us might have handled disagreements on the playground in that matter, but in the professional world, that doesn't bode well for your reputation. Instead, remember to be grateful for the business your client HAS given you in the past. Thank your client from the bottom of your heart, and actually mean it! Whether you have worked for that client for one year or only one project, his financial contribution to your business (assuming he paid!) made a difference in your life and your business. Be grateful for that.
2.) Learn from the situation
There are lessons to be learned in everything we do, from shopping at the grocery store to working on projects for clients. The key to success is learning from YOUR mistakes, and the mistakes of OTHERS so you don't make them again! Perhaps you lost a client from a mistake that you made. Oops! That happens. Don't make excuses, instead, learn from it so you don't make that same mistake again. I read something once that said "once you have a thought, your mind will never go back to it's original state." I take that to mean, that with each new lesson, I am growing as a person, a business woman and more importantly, a mom.
3.) Don't burn bridges
What happens if your client breakup is a really BAD one and they never want to see your face again? Unfortunately, for some small business owners, they think that they will never HAVE to see their ex-client again. Well...news flash! It's a small world, and someday you might have to cross back over the bridge you just burnt to ashes. If your relationship is smoldering (about to catch fire), perhaps you have a heart-to-heart, either in person, over the phone or in a letter, and try to smooth things over. Realistically, you won't do business with that client again, however, depending on your professionalism at this moment, you might have the chance to work with them again. Just remember, your ex-client knows a lot of people who may ask for a reference!
So, the fact of the matter is, you're going to lose clients. But, your attitude and professionalism during that time is all that really matters. Just remember, losing one client will open the door to being able to serve another. Happy relationship building!
Want to talk more on this subject? Call me @ 515.259.0577 for a FREE consultation and brainstorming session!
515-259-0577 - office
316-644-7029 - cell
renee@trioagency.comwww.facebook.com/trioagency
www.trioagency.blogspot.com
www.trioagency.com
About TRIO Marketing|Branding|AdvertisingTRIO is a full-service marketing communications company providing a wide array of integrated marketing services to meet all of your business and marketing needs. At TRIO, we understand that each client is unique; therefore we provide customized solutions based on your goals and growth objectives. All of our recommendations are made specifically for you and your business.
TRIO Marketing|Branding|Advertising delivers an effective blend of creative talent and strategic thinking, delivering results that increase the bottom line of our client partners. We utilize our network of local experts in the community to execute the campaigns on the basis of design, printing and mailing.
Our Services include:
515-259-0577 - office316-644-7029 - cell
renee@trioagency.comwww.facebook.com/trioagency
www.trioagency.blogspot.com
www.trioagency.com
About TRIO Marketing|Branding|AdvertisingTRIO is a full-service marketing communications company providing a wide array of integrated marketing services to meet all of your business and marketing needs. At TRIO, we understand that each client is unique; therefore we provide customized solutions based on your goals and growth objectives. All of our recommendations are made specifically for you and your business.
TRIO Marketing|Branding|Advertising delivers an effective blend of creative talent and strategic thinking, delivering results that increase the bottom line of our client partners. We utilize our network of local experts in the community to execute the campaigns on the basis of design, printing and mailing.
Our Services include:
- Marketing, Branding, Public Relations and Advertising Consulting
- Strategic Annual Marketing Plan Development
- Integrated and Interactive Marketing Services including E-mail and SMS Marketing
- Promotional Products
- Media Negotiation, Placement & Spot Traffic Management
- Print Design & Production
- Web Development & Search Engine Optimization
- Direct Mail Services
- One-on-One Business Development/Sales Team Coaching
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