Wie gehst du mit Schweigen oder Ablehnung um?

There's a lot of vulnerability involved in networking - you're putting yourself out there to potentially experience social rejection, and that hurts! Our tolerence for vulnerability fluctuates depending on what else is happening in our lives, so sometimes it's easier to take on the chin than others. That's okay. Try not to take it as a reflection on you as a person, your job/business/work is not who you are and it's not your value in the world. Someone rejecting your business isn't them rejecting you (even if it feels like it sometimes).

In the world of business networking, silence or rejection is not the end; it's an opportunity for growth. I've worked hard to acknowledge those tough emotions— as they show I'm invested and passionate. But remember, it's not personal. It's a chance to reflect on my approach, refine my value proposition, and come back stronger. I've learned to stay positive, energetic, and keep connecting. From my own experience, every 'no' brings me one step closer to that 'yes' that will change the game.

Rejection (or apparent rejection) is really hard but you're going to get plenty of it whether you like it or not. It's ok to feel angry or upset about it - have a moment - and then move on. Tap into your network for support - they've been there too. Don't dwell on it for days though... give yourself the rest of the day if you need it and then start afresh the next with a plan to move forward. No doesn't mean no forever - it might just be 'no not yet'. Or in hindsight you might even realise that they were not really the right potential client for you. The important thing is not to take it personally. And focus on the next positive opportunity.

Face your fears head-on. Rejection isn’t pleasant, but remember that it's not about the destination—it's about how you present yourself along the way. Stay positive and professional, regardless of how others may respond. By embodying these qualities, you'll naturally attract others who appreciate and connect with your genuine approach.

Dealing with silence or rejection requires viewing these outcomes through a lens that does not equate them to personal failure. It's crucial to understand that silence may arise from the other person being preoccupied with their own responsibilities or challenges, or from their difficulty in expressing disinterest. Recognizing that these reactions are not personal critiques but rather situations or preferences specific to the other individual helps in separating one's self-worth from the reactions of others. With this perspective, it becomes easier to maintain confidence and resilience. It also helps moving forward with grace and without internalizing the setback.

Silence and rejection are tough. But they're also inevitable. When it happens, try not to jump to conclusions. Not hearing back from someone usually has more to do with the other person's workload, priorities, or challenges than with your worth or the value of your proposal. Stay positive and open-minded, and resist interpreting silence as a definitive no. If you were rejected, that's one step closer to your next "yes."

When we lack confidence in a situation, it is easy to be negative. Yes, someone may be avoiding us but often they are just busy/didn't get around to replying. Try a different way to connect with them. The phone is rarely used these days so often a call can be good. As long as you introduce yourself well - reminding them who you are and asking first if they have 5 minutes and explaining why!

It can be difficult to deal with rejection or quiet, but it's crucial to maintain your optimism and avoid drawing conclusions. First of all, make an effort to comprehend that silence doesn't necessarily imply rejection; sometimes, individuals just need more time or are busy. Second, realise that rejection is not a reflection of your value even if it's acceptable to feel disappointed if you do experience it. Ask for comments and attempt to communicate honestly rather than presuming the worst. You can gain a better understanding of the circumstances and make improvements going forward. Finally, keep your composure and remember to take lessons from every encounter.

The best way to deal with silence is to fill that silence with action and progress. Networking is in many ways a numbers game. Where each person may have their own unique circumstances that may keep them from replying your communications (either personal, professional, or preferential), if you have a big enough pipeline of people to contact and a solid process, eventually someone will get back to you. What if still noone gets back to you? Then perhaps the issue is with the pipeline (eg. you're contacting the wrong kind of people) or with the process (eg. you're communicating the wrong message). If that's the case you can switch things up, iterate, and improve on the pipeline and the process! Take action and keep getting better!

When dealing with silence or rejection, it's essential not to make assumptions about the reasons behind it. Instead of jumping to conclusions or taking it personally, approach the situation with an open mind and consider that there could be many factors at play, such as timing, priorities, or circumstances beyond your control. Give the other person the benefit of the doubt, and if appropriate, follow up politely to express continued interest or to seek constructive feedback. By maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on what you can learn from the experience, you can handle silence or rejection with resilience and grace, keeping the door open for future opportunities.

When someone rejects you, it often indicates that they're either not open to being sold to or simply not in the right mindset for a conversation at that moment. Instead of taking it personally, follow up by offering something of value that aligns with their business interests. Show genuine interest by asking for their perspective on an issue that's important to their success or by sharing a resource that could benefit them when they're ready. This approach positions you as a valuable resource, demonstrating that you’re not just looking for a sale, but genuinely invested in their business growth.

Don't be afraid to follow up! What's the worst that could happen? They say no, and you'll move forward. A thoughtful, polite follow-up can make all the difference. Reach out with something of value, like a relevant article or an industry update, to re-engage the conversation without demanding attention. It shows that you're genuinely interested and respectful of their time. There's nothing to lose.

Be specific and ask for a concrete approach and, above all, offer the person a concrete approach to networking. Make yourself and your network attractive to the person.

I strongly endorse following up with value when dealing with silence or rejection. Providing something useful or relevant—such as an article, podcast, or resource—demonstrates your genuine interest and willingness to contribute. Offering help, advice, or congratulations shows that you care and have something meaningful to offer, beyond just seeking something for yourself. This approach not only keeps the communication open but also positions you as a valuable and thoughtful connection, enhancing your professional relationships and increasing the chances of future engagement.

I once reached out to a colleague about collaborating, but I received no response. Instead of feeling discouraged, I decided to share an insightful article related to their recent work. This act of generosity sparked a conversation, and they appreciated my thoughtfulness. I also made it a habit to congratulate others on their milestones, creating a positive rapport. By providing value rather than just seeking it, I demonstrated that I genuinely care. This approach not only reignited our communication but also opened doors for future opportunities. Embracing this mindset has transformed my perspective on rejection; it’s no longer a dead end but a chance to nurture relationships and showcase my commitment.

Whether it's harsh rejection or constructive criticism, each piece of feedback is a golden opportunity for growth. Analyze the feedback to understand what might be improved, whether it's your approach, your proposal, or your timing. Take what you learned and run with it. Each experience, positive or not, is a stepping stone towards a better, stronger network.

Dealing with silence or rejection is a normal part of any career path. The key is to not take it personally. Often, the lack of response or a "no" reflects circumstances beyond your control, like a mismatch in skills or timing. Whenever possible, try to seek actionable feedback. Did your proposal need a stronger focus? Could your resume use more tailoring? Analyze the feedback for patterns and use it to adapt your approach. Remember, resilience is crucial – every "no" brings you closer to the right "yes." Focus on the long game, and remember that even experts experience rejection. It's how you respond that matters most.

Ich finde, wenn du in der Lage bist, dich selbst zu reflektieren, dann ermöglicht dir diese Eigenschaft, deine eigenen Handlungen, Entscheidungen und Verhaltensweisen kritisch zu betrachten. Nur wenn du bewusst den Raum für Selbstreflexion aufmachst, kannst du deine Stärken erkennen, deine Schwächen verstehen und aktiv an deiner persönlichen Entwicklung arbeiten. Dabei fördert die Fähigkeit zur Selbstreflexion nicht nur deine eigene Weiterentwicklung, sondern erleichtert dir eben auch den Umgang mit erhaltenem Feedback.

I would always recommend asking for feedback, especially if your contact has gone with another provider, another company. Rather than ask them for feedback on you, as nobody really wants to be the bearer of bad news, ask them "what made you choose the other company?" - this allows them to give positive reasons for why they opted for someone else - and gives you the feedback you were looking for.

In my experience, feedback is a crucial part of improving your networking skills. It's not just about listening to what others say, it's about actively seeking it out and analysing it for patterns and trends. This can help you refine your approach, whether it's your pitch, your resume, or your overall networking strategy. Remember, every piece of feedback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Always evaluate your process and take time to check the quality of your research before initial outreach. Do not go straight in for the pitch, especially as in many cases most people have not clarified if the "prospect" is a fit first. Build rapport ask permission to send them something that may be of interest based on your research of their profile.

In the context of networking, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, moving on gracefully from silence or rejection is crucial. It not only preserves your professional image but also keeps doors open for future opportunities. Remember, every interaction, regardless of its outcome, contributes to your learning and experience. This approach also aligns with the principle of 'giving value first' that I always emphasize in my coaching. It's not about immediate gains, but building long-term, meaningful relationships. Not EVERY prospect is in a position to buy, on average around 3% of cold prospects may be in a position to buy, but over time can increase that to 10-25% or higher depending on your ability to build relationships

When someone goes silent or rejects you in a networking situation, it doesn't have to mean the end of the relationship. Instead, gracefully accept their decision and appreciate the time and attention they did give you. Every interaction, whether positive or not, offers valuable experiences and lessons that help us grow. Be grateful for these opportunities. Remember, it's not about how others react; it's about how you respond to rejection. Use it as a chance to reflect and strengthen your character. Stay connected and always convey your best wishes, regardless of the outcome.

There is no need to force poor people to answer. If someone is silent for too long, you can try to call once. If you don't get a response again, just stop doing it. Return to the contact when you identify yourself as someone with whom that person would be honored to communicate.

Una de las claves para minimizar ese silencio es llegar a encontrar la mejor herramienta de comunicación con la que nuestro contacto se sienta más cómodo

Just remember. Not everyone moves at your pace. What you may think is silence may be normal for the other person. Keep moving on, don't stop everything just because of one connection.

To cope with silence or rejection, try a unique approach: desensitize yourself by deliberately seeking out rejection. This might sound unconventional, but it's effective. Visit a busy area like a shopping center and approach strangers with absurd requests. Whether it's asking for a ride, to borrow their car, use their phone, or even for an extravagant favor, the goal is to become accustomed to hearing 'no.' This method transforms rejection from a feared outcome to a normal aspect of daily interactions. Over time, this practice can alter your perception, making rejection less intimidating and more of a stepping stone rather than a setback. It’s a playful yet powerful way to build resilience and shift your perspective on rejection.

Over time you'll build resilience to rejection in a networking situation, and that's important. Remember that not everyone is going to be interested in talking about what you want to talk about, that's life. Just smile, move on, and remember to debrief with your line manager or a fellow colleague to see if there's any learning that can be gained - but also to remove any emotional impact.

Remember that this journey is characterised by the ongoing exploration and nurturing of significant connections. Silence or rejection is inherent in life and can contribute to the development of resilience. Similarly, not everyone encountered will necessarily support or align with one's endeavours and relationships. Embracing this reality fosters a mindset wherein personal offences are minimised, and feelings of inadequacy are not harboured.

Your network person either to respond or remain silent is their choice. What ever may be their response or no response, how do you respond only reflects your personality. These situations are great blessing moments to reflect on your personality and do make required changes.

A forma de lidar com o silêncio ou a rejeição pode variar dependendo do contexto e do relacionamento com a pessoa. Se possível, conversar abertamente com a pessoa para entender seus motivos e buscar uma solução. Se o silêncio ou a rejeição estiverem causando sofrimento, conversar com amigos, familiares ou um profissional de saúde mental pode ser muito útil.