I felt inspired to write about a topic that, as an inventor, you think about frequently – but probably don't talk about much – rejection.
That is the pun in the title of “being in the ‘no.'”
You've heard all the clichés around the issue of rejections or setbacks:
- Every ‘no' brings you one step closer to yes
- We learn much more from our failures – than we do from our successes
- Setbacks are stepping stones to success
While all of the above are true to my experience, they do little to salve the emotional sting you feel after building high expectations (of a positive outcome) only to be told “no” once again.
So, lets look at some practical steps to get you moving forward again after the emotional letdown of rejection.
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Emotional Recovery After a No
Immediately after a rejection or letdown, Naturally your emotions push you to wonder if they are right – that your invention is simply not worth pursuing.
Please don't stay in that zone very long – because it can quickly become self-fulfilling prophecy.
Your subconscious attracts towards you whatever you focus your attention on – whether that is positive or negative. Everyone gets knocked down. The key to moving forward lies in how you respond afterwards.
The best response is to ask yourself 3 simple questions:
- Do other people think your invention is valid and worthwhile? – The answer is almost always yes.
- Did they really fully comprehend the advantages of your invention? – Often, they don't really ‘get it.'
- Did they tell you why they rejected your invention? – Very often, the answer is no.
If your intuition and gut feeling tells you your invention is good and is needed – trust in that feeling.
Regarding 2 above, you usually can tell if they understood the benefits of your invention based upon the questions they asked – or didn't ask. Unfortunately, per 3 above, very often – they give you absolutely no specific reason for the rejection. You usually receive the “it's not right for us at this time” bromide. Right?
If they didn't really understand the benefits of your invention, nor give you a reason for their rejection – you have an informational deficit. Your steps forward must always be based upon useful, actionable information. So, let's look at how to get that actionable information so you can move forward.
Two Steps to Get Moving Forward Again
Now that you have metaphorically “dusted yourself off” – it's time to take positive steps to get moving forward again with your invention. You simply need more information and – the good news – is you can get it! Here's two steps to take.
First, look internally for answers.
What are some things you did/didn't do in the pitch, that you might want to change or correct in your next pitch?
Perhaps you launched into a lengthy story about how you came up with your invention – a common mistake made by inventors. Did you grab their attention right at the start, posing the problem your product solves in the form of a question for them to consider? For example, “does it ever annoy you when you are on your way to work and suddenly, you realize you left your _____ at home?”
Second, contact them again to see if you can get more information. If they gave you the “it's not right for us at this time,” that tells you nothing.
Draft a carefully worded email to your key contact – let's say it was Bob.
Your goal is to get Bob to tell you why the company chose to pass on your invention. Thank Bob for investing the time to learn about your product and sharing his insights with you (even if none were shared). Next tell Bob that you are committed to moving forward with marketing your invention. Tell Bob that it would be extremely valuable to you if he could share the specifics as to why they passed on your product. In this way, you can make adjustments in your presentation or improvements to your product before moving forward with other companies.
By thanking and complimenting Bob and then letting him know you're serious about moving forward – but you need his help – you make it easy for him to respond. No matter what, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by reaching out to him for more information.
Armed with this information, you're ready to move forward again.
__________________________________________________________________________
Would you like information on how to deal with setbacks?
Just click on the blue button below to grab your FREE copy of – Dealing With Setbacks – cheat sheet now.
Would you like to learn how to make money from your invention? Tired of just spending money?
Attend the next FREE live webinar – How to License Your Invention for Royalties.All you need is your cell phone, laptop or computer to attend this live webinar. Get all your questions answered.
Just click on the orange button below to sign up for the next FREE live webinar – License Your Invention for Royalties.