I cannot tell you the amount of times I have not gotten a job I really needed or desired. I used to feel like it was the end of the world when this happened.
Actually, I am still disappointed I wasn’t even considered for Chelsea Clinton’s wedding. Especially since it seems like my “over the top” dramatic brand was one of the last to be considered for this high profile wedding.
I could just see the press going crazy if Mr and Mrs. Clinton had done a “Preston Bailey wedding.”
Of course, that could be just me licking my wounded pride and trying to come up with some kind of explanation for not getting this job. Or, it could be just as simple as they did not like my design, period. There are many reasons we get rejected from getting a job.
Some are:
- You are too expensive.
- We do not like your service.
- We do not like your designs.
- Loyalty. We want to work with someone we know or was recommended very highly.
- We do not think you are capable of doing the job.
I could go on and on on, but ultimately it is how we handle our rejection that matters.
In today’s venting, I’d love to answer any questions you have about how to handle business rejection and what to do after they say, “No, thank you.” Post your questions below, and I’ll send you an email with the answer.
PREVIOUS
George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
bisi bordley
November 1, 2010
Love your honest!xxb
Shannon/Flourish
November 1, 2010
Do you ever kindly and professionally ask a client why you did not get the job? Half the time I feel like I knocked it out of the park with them and had them eating out of my hand only to get the dreaded, “Thanks but no thanks.” e-mail. Yuck.
Michelle
November 1, 2010
Hi Preston. Personally, I love your “over the top” dramatic brand. I’m a recent MBA graduate with a degree from a prestigious university. A few weeks ago I applied to a company that sent me a “no thanks” email almost immediately. A few days later, I received a phone call from their recruiter telling me that they were interested in speaking to me further about my background. I’m enthusiastic about the company, but I’m a bit confused. A no at first and then a yes? How do I not let their initial rejection phase me as I continue on in my process with them?
Also, I would love to do what you do. I think I’m smart and talented but I don’t have time to start from zero given the time and dollars that I’ve spent on school. How do you suggest I try to make the transition? Is there room for someone like me in a company/brand like yours?
Mary Kate
November 1, 2010
Is it ever ok to ask why you didn’t get job?
Crismar
November 1, 2010
Preston, I liked this post. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
I also have rejected events. Weddings that made me very excited. Sometimes I do not know how to handle rejection, especially when you go projects, budgets and have a good feeling with the client.
I have only two years experience as a designer of events How do you do to menjar the rejection of your customers?
Crismar Elena, crismarcuyares@gmail.com
I write from Venezuela and I like to study in your design academy
Larissa Banting
November 1, 2010
Rejection is tough for everyone and thank you for your honesty, as it’s easy to forget that all of us are in the same boat – submitting proposals and waiting for the yes or no answer.
Over the years, I’ve learned to be (well, still trying!) to take a Zen approach and not be attached to the outcome – if it happens, wonderful. If it doesn’t, it wasn’t meant to be and move on. It’s really helped my sanity as it’s so easy for us creative types to tie our feelings of self into our work. A rejection of our work feels like a rejection of us. But it’s just business. The right client is always there.
You are still my hero
November 1, 2010
This is part of our job to be rejected from time to time
potential clients say, unfortunately I have went with another vendor because they were cheaper
November 1, 2010
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?
Manage rejaction
November 1, 2010
Hi Preston,
I am a designer and a glass artist. I worked many years in luxury, in Europe for fancy stores and boutiques and for US high-end department stores.
One year ago a change the country and a close my studio. At the beginning of next year I will open with my wife the new studio in our new country.
I now your work very well and I love it. I wanted very much to work with you at some project but did not found the opportunity.
.
Now you launched this provocation, and I am taking it
You said you will answer us in a email, so I will have the opportunity to replay to your email and try to convince you by telling you (very short) what I have and what I can do.
If in your email you will reject me, at least you will have to teach me how to manage the rejection
So, to be on topic: Will you be interested to know what a have? How should I manage a rejection to my proposal, if will be any (hope not)?
Sincerely,
Andrey
potential clients say, unfortunately I have went with another vendor because they were cheaper
November 1, 2010
The quote you have been given should raise alarm bells, not only will the quality of product and installation be poor,so to will the service you receive. You know the saying ‘if you pay peanuts, you will get monkeys’
Rowaida |Flayhan
November 1, 2010
I cannot imagine anybody rejecting your amazing and so creative designs, you are an inspiration to many people around the world.
Hi Preston, your inspirational thoughts are the best. Thank you. Rejection is just a part of life. I usually fume for a day have something sweet and move on to the next inspiration.
November 1, 2010
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?
Crystal Adair-Benning
November 1, 2010
Is it better to know the reason you missed out on the oppourtunity or not?
Do you keep notes on when/why you’ve been rejected in the past and how does it help you to continue to grow your business and not get disheartened at times?
Denise
November 1, 2010
I love this very honest post. How can you not take rejection personally when you put so much of yourself into the proposal?
I have had my business (in Vancouver, CA) for 3 years now and for the first time, this year, struggled with rejections (later finding out that one potential client took my design ideas to another decorator who created the look for them!). I always hear “It was a hard decision but we decided to go with someone else.” However I never get an actual reason. Should I just let it go, or ask them what I could have done better?
Sneha Bhavan
November 1, 2010
Hi Preston,
I often here that there is someone else who can do it cheaper. I create invitations, greeting and fine stationery for individuals with a South Asian flair. After spending many hours working with a client, showing them a design and a quote, I hear that “I can get them (wedding invitations) cheaper in India.” While I know this is true, the downside is the time, the back and forth and occasionally the quality of working with an invitation specialist overseas. What do you recommend I do, offer an alternative? How do you tackle the “cheaper” argument and your design created by someone else?
Kim Eibrink Jansen
November 2, 2010
Hi Preston, it is so good to know that even you are affected by not getting every job!! There are many factors involved in not getting every job, and I think it comes down to being true to YOU and knowing that you are the best in what you do. If someone doesn’t want you, there will always be three more that do. Thank you so much for your refreshing insight!! Kim xi
wedding invitation kits
November 2, 2010
Rejection is not always a bad thing. Not everyone is going to like you all the time. That is the first thing you teach your child when they deal with rejection., If you stay true to who you are then that is all that matters. There is a lid for every pot and those who choose you and your work will get their own special brand of “greatness”. Great post. Very honest and sincere.
Jonathan bates
November 2, 2010
Great post! At some point, if we’re still relevant, we will face rejection. Sometimes we understand why we’re rejected and use the information to strengthen our process, our business.
Then there are other times when we are absolutely clueless. What do we do? We pick up our pride and “good taste” and we move on. Why? We have to keep looking for the next opportunity, the next “astute” client that can appreciate our unique approach to realize their vision.
thelifestylemaven
November 2, 2010
I needed this post. Thanks Preston!
Ashley Greer
November 2, 2010
Ha! You know that is so interesting that you felt that way about Chelsea’s wedding, I like you more and more every post.
I am a designer who has stayed with a company for four years, and after thriving there, it is time to move on and keep growing.
As such I have been asking about opportunities. I have had many local call backs, and begun to work with a lot of high profile shops in our area, but I aspire for more. I have been told that in order to meet some of the superstar designers that I admire, and maybe have a shot, I need to take their $1000+ class and become their student first. Not a fan of that answer, it feels like rejection. It also feels like “yes” I may have alot more learning to do, but I could just as easily learn while being paid.
Another one I got was that an opportunity link would be coming soon, hows that going:)?
Kate Anzani
November 2, 2010
Hi preston,
The worst part is when you bid for a project and they dont tell you -you didnt get the job. And you find out from somebody else. Were always more expensive than the rest, but were always doing something different and have costs to bear. Were thinking of creating a lower brand to cater to the masses.
P.S. I met jerry sibal here in Cebu and we did an event together. Would you consider coming to Asia?
Kate Dychangco-Anzani
meliana ~ blubells flower
November 2, 2010
I really thanks for this blog.. thanks for your sharing and honesty about this..
One question that i want to ask is, How about rejection simply because we don’t have the portfolio for doing that event, even they love our concept?.. for this matter, i think experience really counts.. Do u have any input or suggestion for me to get the ‘new’ project, which is my portfolio only a small project?.. Thank you Preston..
Doyin
November 2, 2010
I’ve gotten rejected a few times because of my prices. People always expect someone with my color to be very cheap. When i tell them my price, they tell me thank you and never call back. Im not sure i know how to handle rejection properly because i always go home sad.
Luz Pencyla
November 2, 2010
Good Morning Preston,
My question is how can I ask my client (nice) Why you don’t want my services? Some clients don’t said anything. Only ” Thanks for your time, but we decided to go with other designer” They don’t leave the window open for questions… in this case and in your experience what will be my question?
Esto es desde el punto de vista “negocio” y es el que a veces me preocupa…pero desde el punto de vista personal he aprendido a decir cuando no me firman un contrato y que no estoy muy interesada en el projecto “Ellos se lo pierden y si no me firmaron este es porque otro mas grande viene”"…….Soy una persona muy optimista..
Thank You!!
Thanks
November 2, 2010
Thank you Preston for your delicate answer. Designers can learn very much from you and it is very enjoyable to read your posts.
Danielle L Gilcrest
November 2, 2010
Preston,
Thank you so much for your honesty, it means a lot when a designer of your experience can be so candid in sharing your feelings. First let me say that while winning the Chelsa Clinton wedding would have been a wonderful accomplishment and huge exposure for your company, I do feel that perhaps your vision and signature events would have been lost on such a client with such understated style. I know you wanted the business.
Like you have an over the top style and overall philosophy to life. From reading your blog posts I would imagine that you could overcome some of the objections listed above by asking the right questions, listening to your clients and present the best design options as possible. After 10+ years of event and travel planning, I’ve learned that I don’t take rejection well because I take it personal. My question is, Besides diligent preparation before the meeting, how can you minimize the likely hood of rejection? And when you do get rejected for reasons beyond your control, how can you not take it so personal when in fact your work is very personal to you?
Thank you,
Danielle L. Gilcrest
Email: danielle.gilcrest@gmail.com
Also, I would like to say that your blog changed my life. I was a young single mother who finished college and just had jobs for survival while trying to find my own dream and connect with who I truly am. Now after my children are grown and in college, I’m in a stage of transition and growth. While your work has always inspired me, your blog has lead me to the connection with my soul that I’ve been searching for all of these years. After careful mediation and quiet conversations with the universe,I’ve discovered that I want to be a designer and fully commit to the profession.I’m willing to soak up all knowledge I can, and work long days and night for my vision. So at 37, I”m starting over ,reinventing myself and connecting to the passion I knew was inside me my entire life. I’ve enrolled in your Event Design Course and also at the local flower school in Chicago to learn more about floral arranging. I sincerely appreciate any an all advice you give to new designers. That is something others in the business do not do. Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration for all of us. I wish you continued success.
Danielle
Evon
November 3, 2010
I think it is a bit like having a crush on a guy, if he doesn’t like me, then I don’t want to waste any time on him either. I say to myself, his loss, not mine.. not in a conceited cocky way, just that if he can’t see all that I can offer, there’s really not much else I can do about it. I don’t think I want to ask the rejecting clients why he/she decided not to engage me either, because they may say one thing, but it might be completely something else. So I believe, vent it out, whine to a friend, eat some chocolates and then continue what I am doing.
I want to ask whether there’s any way to prevent potential clients taking your design / proposal / quotation to another vendor though.
Thank you thank you thank you again for baring your own mistakes and feelings so the rest of us can learn and reflect on ourselves.. From all the comments, it is clear that your words are reaching out to, encouraging and inspiring so many people around the globe.
Yolonda
November 3, 2010
Hi Preston! I absolutely love your style and creativity. Thank you for sharing this post, it has been very helpful. I was extremely disappointed after my first couple of rejections however I’ve since been able to accept that not everyone I meet with is going to stay with me. I would love to know a better way of doing presentations. I once spent a great deal of money and time putting together a presentation, the client loved it but didn’t want to pay my price. She took pictures of my design and went with someone else. It was thefirst time I had spent that much money to get a client and it ended that way. Should I do presentations before to get the client or after they sign to secure them?
A Day To Remember
November 3, 2010
Preston, you are absolutely right and it’s always so comforting to hear that even the best of the best do experience rejection. My admiration for you just grows more and more.
What would you consider the best way to approach a prospective client when you’ve been rejected? When I am rejected, I always like to know why, as well, as I know this will only help me in the future.
Navjot
November 4, 2010
Each time one is rejected for a job, the first reaction is disappointment and next is questioning oneself. Each rejection teaches you something gives you more reason to be open to learn and broaden your perspective. Either I keep on feel hurt or I invest my time designing for those who trust my work.
To be honest with you, I was surprised that you did not design Clinton’s wedding. I thought may be you had other commitment.Do you feel I am heading in the right direction with my approach.Would appreciate your comments,If possible
david vasquez
November 4, 2010
hola preston soy de colombia y te admiro mucho , me parece espectacular que hayas contado lo que sentiste en esta experiencia que no te contrataron, tienes mucha humildad y Dios te ama por eso!!
quisiera saber que pasa cuando la gente sabe que eres el mejor en tu diseño pero no hay buena relacion tu competencia, ya que es desleal!!
te mando un abrazo
david vasquez
norah
November 4, 2010
Sounds perfect! Perhaps this time around you can at least practice what you preach. I asked you a question in one of your previous posts and you never answered. Although I’ve heard you mention before you like to answer your readers questions (yea right!). Ouch – rejection (straight from you!) I know how it feels!! BAD. I think you should be more grateful that people like “me” take the time to read your blog and answer some of your comments. Just because you are “high up” doesn’t make you any better than the next person. All I can say is learn to say “thank you” to everyone that posts comments to you blog. It doesn’t hurt to re-comment some of your readers comments and no “you” don’t always have to hold the “baton” all the time. And just because you’re a top/famous designer does not mean everyone “on top” should consult your business. Although I appreciate your designs, and I do believe you are very well talented, I myself have seen some flaws (as an ordinary person). There’s something missing in them — more like an invisible element. Nothing tangible. On the outside everything looks good and adorable to the eye, but deep inside, to me, it always feels like your designs lack an element. Its beautiful but yet empty. And I can see it through your soul. There’s a blessing that’s missing in them. But all in all, I think sometimes rejections are good for us. They teach us to be humble and not to think too highly or lowly of ourselves. It’s one of the hardest thing to swallow but I believe once the lesson is learned, it very well, does the soul and heart some good.
Rayna L. Brown
November 4, 2010
How do i deal with rejection because the potential client knows I work a 9-5. Many of them ask the question – “will you be able to commit to my wedding since it is not your day job”. I always reassure that i am available to speak with the them and that my 9-5 is actually my part-time and my planning is my full-time passion. I’ve booked at least 60% who ask the question but I have also lost a few on that principle alone. How do I deal with that especially knowing that I can’t get to the point of leaving the 9-5 until the clients are steady?
Rayna
Nazzib Samad
November 18, 2010
My question are, what will u do when you find out your client took your design ideas to another decorator who finally created the look for them?
How do u handle your business rejections
Ganhar Dinheiro na Internet
February 23, 2011
Tudo Bem? interessante esta página está bem posicionado………Boa pinta :/
Muito agradável faz mais posts deste modo !
nuffunfaink
June 26, 2011
Im Vertrauen gesagt ist meiner Meinung danach offenbar. Ich empfehle Ihnen, in google.com zu suchen
YOUR NAME
July 2, 2011
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?