Learning to love the word NO in sales and marketing
In this episode of MAP IT Marketing, I dive into the messy relationship most of us have with the word NO - why it feels so personal, how to handle it better, and why it’s actually a necessary part of running a business. Spoiler: I haven’t completely made peace with it either. From dealing with rejection dysmorphia (thanks, ADHD brain) to figuring out when a no is actually a good thing, this episode covers it all.
I’ll share my own struggles with follow-up fear, the gut-punch of losing a sale you thought was in the bag, and how learning to love the word NO (or at least tolerate it) has been one of the most powerful shifts in my business. Plus, some real talk about why a 30% conversion rate is actually the sweet spot and what a 100% conversion rate might really be saying about your pricing—or your willingness to tell the truth.
In This Episode, We Cover:
- Why “NO” Feels So Personal: My ADHD and neurodiverse brain’s fun little gift called rejection dysmorphia and why even a no I was expecting can feel brutal.
- The Power of a 30% Conversion Rate: Why converting every single lead isn’t a flex—it’s a problem.
- When You Thought It Was a Done Deal: That sinking feeling when a sale you’ve mentally banked falls through, and why it’s usually about their priorities—not your performance.
- Follow-Up Fear: How I used to avoid following up just to escape the pain of a potential no—and how I got over it (mostly).
- Learning from the Noes: Why it’s worth figuring out why people say no, and how to use that info without spiralling into a pit of self-doubt.
- When They Pick Someone Else: The sting of finding out they went with another option and why it’s usually a blessing in disguise.
Resources Mentioned:
- Online Content Strategy Day Workshop: Happening on April 3rd, 2025—get all the details and a special discount by emailing Rachel at Rachel@identifymarketing.co.nz. Check it out here.
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