We applied to speak at #INBOUND2023 a very BIG sales and marketing conference that takes place in downtown Boston each year.

The topic was around the topic of how to respond to rejection and our new book, "When They Say No."

I had visualized being at the conference. Speaking to an audience of several hundred people. Meeting people and shaking hands with potential future customers. 

This would be a great thing to happen. 

In my head, we had gotten the yes.

Several weeks had passed and finally last week I got the email. (You can see it below.)

As it turns out, um, they said, "no."

So, I thought it was a great chance to remind you that we get no. A lot. 

It's also a good chance to share what I did with this no.

First, my brain panicked a little and asked, "What does this mean? Are we going to be okay?"

I calmed my brain down and said, "Of course. We've talked about this. No over-reacting to rejection."

(My brain and your brain is always on guard looking for danger. Brains don't like rejection letters.)

I also reframed the visualization and played a new movie. Instead of picturing the conference we lost, I pictured all the other things I will get to do with my time. 

Then, my curiosity got to me because I would LOVE to know, WHY.

What was it that made them say no?

No's teach us. They're instructive.

How can I do better next time if I don't know how?

And that's the tricky part about this kind of no.

There's no feedback. (If you can ever get feedback, do it!) 

Perhaps I can attempt to do better next time by showing my proposal to some INBOUND veterans and ensuring I did my submission well.

And finally, I said, "Next!"

No need to dwell on a missed opportunity. Time to move on to other things.

Who knows, maybe we'll try again next year.

As Bob Burg also so wisely said, "If you are in business, you are in sales. If you are in sales, you will hear “no.” You’ll hear “no” far more often than you will hear “yes.” And, that’s okay. Don’t let it discourage you. Know that it is simply part of the journey. You’re not the only one who hears it."