3 ms·

Rejections should teach you something. I think of it like the sculptor: Rejections should be like the process of removing all the material that is not part of

Rejections should teach you something. I think of it like the sculptor: Rejections should be like the process of removing all the material that is not part of what you are sculpting. Each rejection should chisel another chunk off. If it seems like it's been a while since you learned something from a rejection it's time to review. Even after refining to the point of having a finished sculpture, you still need to consider the possibility that you've got something good, but simply haven't pitched to the right person yet. Look for comments like, 'that's a really compelling|interesting|novel|worthy idea, but it's not what we get involved in'. In those cases, ask for referrals to people they think might be interested. The point to cease then, would be when you're not learning anything new, and you're not getting references to someone who might be interested. Each of the examples you listed would have a different protocol. If you get a no when asking for a raise, or pitching investors, you should be able to get an explanation for why. But if you get rejected asking for a date, you'll likely not get a reason you can use. So some intuition is always going to be required.

armini 10y ago
Thanks 11thEarlOfMar, I liked your point about learning, it's defiantly a good indicator.. What about cases that you get no response? For example I've sent an email or attempted to followup but there's no way for me to get real feedback other than knowing they clicked on the link or they opened the email because they simply don't reply or answer. It's like going finishing & you know there's fish because they bite but you never manage to hook them. It's so frustrating even though I've changed rods, hooks & bait. The irony is that you start to second guess as to why you sensed the bite. Was it a false positive? How many could be false positives?
- thefastlane 10y ago
  there will be (many) times when, for your own emotional/mental sanity, you have to let go of attempting to comprehend someone else's behavior, and just get on with your life.
- dragandj 10y ago
  > What about cases that you get no response? For example I've sent an email or attempted to followup but there's no way for me to get real feedback other than knowing they clicked on the link or they opened the email because they simply don't reply or answer. That is a very clear response, isn't it? The main thing is: have alternative options.

armini 10y ago

Thanks 11thEarlOfMar, I liked your point about learning, it's defiantly a good indicator.. What about cases that you get no response? For example I've sent an email or attempted to followup but there's no way for me to get real feedback other than knowing they clicked on the link or they opened the email because they simply don't reply or answer. It's like going finishing & you know there's fish because they bite but you never manage to hook them. It's so frustrating even though I've changed rods, hooks & bait. The irony is that you start to second guess as to why you sensed the bite. Was it a false positive? How many could be false positives?

thefastlane 10y ago
there will be (many) times when, for your own emotional/mental sanity, you have to let go of attempting to comprehend someone else's behavior, and just get on with your life.
dragandj 10y ago
> What about cases that you get no response? For example I've sent an email or attempted to followup but there's no way for me to get real feedback other than knowing they clicked on the link or they opened the email because they simply don't reply or answer. That is a very clear response, isn't it? The main thing is: have alternative options.