Hate Rejection? This Sales Hack Will Change Your Mind
Did you know that top sellers hear "no" about 9 out of 10 times?
It's hard to believe at first.
Many salespeople dread rejection.
But what if these "nos" could actually boost your sales career?
Let's flip everything you thought you knew about sales on its head.
The Power of "No": Your New Secret Weapon
The concept of "Go for No!" is popularized by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz in their book of the same name.
Instead of avoiding rejection, it encourages you to embrace it.
Meet Sarah, a sales rep who started out hating rejection.
Now, she outsells her more experienced coworkers.
How?
She learned to love the "no."
"I used to hate hearing 'no.' Now, I try to get as many 'nos' as I can. Each one gets me closer to a sale." - Sarah, Top Seller
It sounds counterintuitive, but here's how you can do it too:
Make "No" a Game: Try to get a certain number of "nos" each day. Suddenly, rejection feels like winning.
Learn from Every "No": Each "no" teaches you something. Ask why they said no. Use what you learn to get better.
Get Stronger with Each "No": The more "nos" you hear, the less they bother you. It's like working out - the more you do it, the stronger you get.
Your Sales Success Plan
Loving "no" is just the start.
To shine in sales, especially if you struggle with ADHD, focus, or motivation, you need a solid plan.
Quick Check: How good is your current sales approach? Rate it from 1-10.
Now, let's make it better:
Create a Routine: Make a step-by-step plan for your sales work. Stick to it no matter what. For inspiration, check out our guide on B2B sales success with boring products.
Don't Let Feelings Get in the Way: Follow your plan whether you feel great or terrible. This is especially key in consultative sales.
Focus on Helping: Sales is about solving problems. Always try to be truly helpful. This approach is key in signal-based selling.
Small Wins Add Up
Building a great sales career takes time.
Top performers don't emerge overnight.
But that's okay.
Break big goals into smaller, easier ones.
Celebrate every little win – they all add up to big success!
"I write down my small wins every day. It's amazing how fast they add up to big wins." - Mike, Sales Team Leader
For more on building a successful sales career, check out our article on going from layoff to unicorn sales success.
A New Way to Think About Winning
Here's a perspective that can change your entire approach to sales:
What if making a sale isn't the only way to win?
What if every chat, every bit of feedback, and every lesson you learn counts as a win?
You'll find more reasons to feel good and grow in everything you do just by thinking about winning with a different perspective.
This mindset is fundamental, especially when dealing with funny sales habits and involuntary behaviors.
Your Next Step: Take the "No" Challenge
Ready to change how you sell? Here's what to do:
Tomorrow, try to get at least 10 people to say "no" to you.
For each "no," write down one thing you learned.
At the end of the day, feel good about what you did. You're now 10 steps closer to your next "yes"!
In sales, hearing "no" doesn't mean you're failing—it means you're out there trying.
And that's how you get better.
It's important to note: this approach won't turn anyone into a sales superstar overnight.
Results vary, and it takes consistent effort.
But many sales professionals have seen significant improvements using this method.
So, are you ready to start loving "no" and sell more?
Your next big win is just around the corner.
Go for it!
For more sales tips and strategies, check out our best sales training resources for beginners.
-Sales Career Hub Team
P.S. Tell us how your "no" challenge goes! We'd love to hear how this new way of thinking is helping you sell more. Your experiences help us continue to provide relevant advice to our community of sales professionals.
And don't forget to check our weekly roundup of top remote sales jobs for new opportunities!