Dont Take No for an Answer

Dont Take No for an Answer No doesnt really mean no.   It just means I am not comfortable enough to say yes now. Lets toughen up a bit.   Rejection is something we are all afraid of! (Truth be told, it is one of MY greatest fears).   But seldom will you experience true rejection.   What I mean is, people arent saying No, I wont help you.   The reality is, they either dont respond or dont follow through. That isnt rejection. Risking it all You have nothing to lose! Why wont you pick up the phone and call that person, follow up on that lead, reach out to a past coworker? Are you not sure what youll say?   Heres what I know.   If you have a script or outline of how you will introduce yourself and what you are specifically asking of them, youll feel a lot better. The more often you do this, the easier it will get, I promise.   I used to do B2B telemarketing. Be Prepared for objections You will encounter people who dont know how to help you.   Thats why you need to be very clear. Have you ever heard these: I dont know of any jobs I dont do the hiring Your response could be: Thats too bad, but, I am actually looking for people to have a conversation with so that I can learn more about XYZ company (Q industry or P occupation). If you were me, who do you think I should speak to? Keep Control When you allow someone to do a favor for you, youve lost all control. In many cases it is better for you to offer to do the legwork or make the call.   Otherwise, you know what will happen.   That well-meaning friend just doesnt have the same set of priorities you do.   It may take them days or weeks to get to it.   Offer to de-burden them so you wont feel like a pest when you have to call them in a week or two. Persistant vs Pest Theres a fine line here.   However, no two people see things quite the same way.   Do not use your own particular filter to judge what others might see as pesky.   If you are sincere in your request and it isnt spammy, you should be OK. Now, it is up to you This week, take small steps outside of your comfort zone.   Push yourself.   See what happens. Call every name you are given this week. Call them! Ask 2 people to meet with you to discuss your target companies. Find the hiring managers for the jobs youve applied to and call them to ask where they are in the review process. Are you waiting for someone to get back to you call all those people this week. Dont wait another day.