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Overcoming the Fear of Rejection (Plus New Book Summaries for Busy Folks Like You

#031 - Generating Pipeline

New: Book Summaries for Busy Fractional Execs and Consultants

I recently launched Book Summaries on the website - a collection of detailed, no-fluff breakdowns of the most valuable business books.

Each summary includes:
✅ Key insights - The most important takeaways in minutes
✅ Real-world examples - How to apply concepts in your business
✅ Exercises & frameworks - Actionable ways to implement the learnings

The first few books are:

- The Business of Expertise by David C. Baker
- Entrepreneur Revolution by Daniel Priestley (one of my favs)
- Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson
- Million Dollar Consulting by Alan Weiss
- The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business by Elaine Pofeldt
- The Trusted Advisor, by David Maister, Charles H. Green and Robert M. Galford

If you want to stay ahead without reading dozens of books, check them out here: https://generatingpipeline.com/book-summaries/

Hey hey,

Let’s talk about rejection.

Nobody likes it.

It stings, it’s uncomfortable, and after a few "not interested" responses, it’s easy to think… maybe this just isn’t for me.

But if fear of rejection is stopping you from reaching out to potential clients, that’s a bigger problem.

Because the reality is - sales is a numbers game.

Common Problem: Fear of Rejection Is Stopping You from Doing Outreach

You hesitate to send that message or follow up on a lead because, deep down, you don’t want to hear “no.”

And when you don’t hear back, you assume the worst:

  • They must think I’m annoying.

  • Maybe my offer isn’t good enough.

  • I don’t want to push too hard and ruin my reputation.

So instead, you wait. You tinker with your offer. You tell yourself you’ll reach out when it “feels right.”

But let’s be real - that moment never comes.

And meanwhile, the consultants who do keep reaching out are winning the clients.

Simple Solution: Treat Sales Like a Numbers Game

Rejection isn’t a personal failure. It’s part of the process.

If 80% of people say no (or don’t respond), but 20% say yes, then success is just a matter of volume.

Here’s how to make outreach easier:

1. Set a weekly outreach goal
Instead of focusing on replies, focus on activity. If you set a goal of sending 20 messages a week, that’s progress - no matter the response rate.

2. Track your numbers
Most people underestimate how much outreach they actually do. Start tracking how many messages you send, how many replies you get, and how many calls you book. You’ll start to see patterns.

3. Reframe rejection
A “no” isn’t a rejection of you. It’s just data. They might not need your service right now. They might not be the right fit. Either way, it doesn’t mean you’re bad at sales.

4. Follow up consistently
Most sales happen after multiple touchpoints, but most people give up after one or two messages. If you don’t hear back, follow up. You’re not being annoying - you’re being persistent.

5. Make it fun
Sales doesn’t have to be stressful. Turn it into a game. See how many conversations you can start this week. Treat each response (even the "no’s") as proof that you’re taking action.

Take Action: Get Comfortable with Outreach This Week

  • Set a weekly outreach goal and commit to it.

  • Track how many messages you send, how many responses you get, and what works best.

  • If rejection is holding you back, remind yourself: success is just a numbers game.

Bonus Tip For Overcoming The Fear of Rejection:
The next time you are out at a shop, restaurant, supermarket or anywhere you are making a purchase - ask for a discount when you’re about to pay.

Don’t explain anything, don’t fill the silence. Just ask and be quiet.

Message me after you’ve done this and let me know how you got on (and how it felt).

ps. I do this exercise weekly

That’s it for this week!

Keep putting yourself out there - the more conversations you start, the more opportunities you’ll create.

Until next time,
Mark

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