How to Deal with Rejection as an Entrepreneur
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As an entrepreneur, you’ve probably heard more than once to “get used to rejection”—but what does that really look like? More importantly, how do you deal with it?
Rejection can manifest in various ways when you’re starting your business, whether it’s seeking investment, building a team, or trying to connect with your customers.
I firmly believe that some of the best lessons an entrepreneur can learn are born from rejection. Today, I’m sharing a few lessons I’ve learned along the way about handling rejection in your business.
“It’s Not You, It’s Me”
Hearing those words is never a good sign, but you may not expect to hear them as an entrepreneur! Similar to a break-up, it’s crucial to understand the reasons behind the rejection.
First, identify who is rejecting you. Is this person aligned with your values and vision? If not, the rejection may reflect a lack of fit rather than a failure of your company.
It’s a tough lesson to accept: not everyone will be a “perfect match.” Your company won’t appeal to everyone, and understanding your target audience—whether they’re investors, employees, or customers—will help you cope with rejections from those who simply don’t resonate with your vision.
Know What You Don’t Know
As an entrepreneur, it’s unlikely that you’re an expert in everything. You’ll receive rejections from individuals with significantly more experience, and if you’re fortunate, those rejections will come with valuable feedback—so pay attention!
Recognizing your “blind spots” as an entrepreneur will help you determine what feedback to focus on and what steps to take next. For instance, if your rejections often include comments about the design of your business and you know design isn’t your forte, it’s a sign you should seek help or improve in that area.
Acknowledge what you don’t know and use that knowledge to handle rejection, build a stronger team, and develop your expertise.
It’s Part Of The Game
While rejection is a constant aspect of entrepreneurship, good entrepreneurs never give up. For instance, when Elon Musk was starting out, he applied for a job with Netscape—the leading internet browser at the time—and didn’t even receive a response. Years later, Netscape is no longer around, while Musk is worth over $22 billion.
Rejection is simply part of the entrepreneurial journey. It serves as a reminder that challenges are inherent to the process. Observing the rejections and failures of those who inspire me—and how they persevered—has significantly influenced how I manage rejection. It gives me the perspective that success is achievable, even in the face of setbacks.
It’s true that rejection is inevitable and that you should get used to it. However, it can also be the best thing for your business. Rejection leads you to the right partners, teaches you what you don’t know, and motivates you to keep pushing forward. Rejection fuels entrepreneurship—so don’t just deal with it; embrace it.
