How to deal with rejection as a consultant
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Rejection is one thing that doesn't get talked about enough in the world of consulting.
Any freelancer, consultant, or small business owner knows the feeling. A potential client sends you a Request for Proposals, or you find one through the regular channels.
The job fits your skill set. You spend days crafting and fine-tuning your proposal, thinking through all the deliverables, creating a work plan, and devising a budget. You make sure you meet all the requirements (usually a long list). You review, update, refine and improve it.
The process becomes a job in itself. By the time you've finished, your mind has convinced you that you've definitely got this one. You're practically ready to add the client logo to your website.
You send off your proposal and wait for the outcome...a week or so later, the email arrives: "Thanks for your detailed proposal, but we regret to inform you..."
I've had a few of these this year, more than I care for, if I'm honest. But that's the nature of consulting. Rejection comes with the territory.
A few things I've learned over the past five years as an independent consultant:
For every job you secure, there are a string of jobs you won't get. That's how it goes.
Each proposal you work on makes the next one better. Think of them as practice.
Ask for feedback when you don't get the contract. Understanding what clients are looking for will help you land more work and be more selective about what you apply for.
Don't take it personally. There are loads of consultants, freelancers, and businesses who are doing great work at different prices. Clients will go with whoever fits their needs and budget.
But also let yourself feel it. Don't deny whatever feelings come up. Work with them.
Don't let rejection stop you from applying for the next big thing. It's out there, waiting for you.
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Brendon Bosworth is a communications specialist and science communication trainer. He is the principal consultant at Human Element Communications.
