How to overcome fear of rejection when I begin networking

Post Reply New Topic

Any suggestions for overcoming fear of rejection when I begin networking again?

I'm almost done building my web training class online. Soon it will be time to market it fully on social media sites and other places online.

I think what holds me back is fear of rejection. I've been entrepreneur most of my adult life. You think I'd be over this fear by now. But with many failed product and business creations I feel the fear has only amplified. I do much self coaching and re-framing of thoughts to help with this particular issue.

Any suggestions on how to move past this?

What is your normal approach to marketing on social media?

The only thing I can say is this: when people reject you, as they will, think of it as being that you were not able to meet their needs at that time. Do not take it personally. Rather, be really interested in what their needs are (the give and take of conversation basically speaking), and when the need arises, incorporate their feedback into your program design.

As a new professional myself, I saw the folly of my former way of networking (talking about only my accomplishments and interests) when at a conference a couple years ago. Some students approached me to network, and they only talked about themselves! I got so bored and thought that they were likely out of touch with my needs in that conversation. I did not follow up with them or anything afterward.

I would scope out your audience right now so you can suss out whether or not your class will work... and when it comes time to market, you will have a greater knowledge and can make more targeted social media conversations.

Last edited by managertina on 22 Apr 2013, 11:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Pretend to be happier than you are. NTs are manipulated more by emotions, vocal tone, and facial expression than by the content of what you say. Think "happy to be with a friend" rather than "relieved" to get an appropriate expression on one's face.

Thanks ManagerTina,

Good points. I have gotten great feedback on my web design training program and found a couple niches that really need it, so this is all great.

Now just trying to manage my daily to do list to reduce overwhelm.

Good point Westbender84! I agree, that has happened before, makes sense in a lot of ways and in some circumstances. I think of it not so much as pretending, but getting into the state of mind I want to receive back from others.