Home › Blogs › nlsbeads's blog

How Do You....

nlsbeads's picture
December 4, 2006 - 6:17am — nlsbeads

Get over the fear of rejection. I'm to the point of wanting to go out into the world and show my "stuff" to shops, but I am so afraid of them saying "no". Now, I know that that, in fact, won't kill me, but what if it kills some of the art in me? How do you take that first step? The one that opens you to pain somewhat similar to dating again after losing a loved one?

Comments

December 13, 2006 - 6:08am — Jill Cameron
Jill Cameron's picture

How Do You....

It's simply a numbers game. Yes, most shops will say "No," for any number of reasons - timing, category, needs, venue, format, etc, etc, none of which have anything to do with you personally.

So, how you deal with rejection? Simply never take a "No" as a personal affront, but rather as just another toad to kiss while in search of the Prince. Unless you're showing really crappy stuff, then they have nothing personal against you, so no need to take a "No" as such.

Use each opportunity to network and learn. Gallery A sez, "We don't show your type of work." Ok, But I bet they know someone who does. Remember, everyone knows everyone in this business.

Selling isn't telling, it's asking. Ask your prospective venues lots of questions. If they are like most people they will love to talk about themselves. Let them. You can glean valuable information and insights from their knowledge and perspective, information they are generally very willing to share. Some of my best successes started out as a "No" from someone, but by networking through them I was able to connect to the right "Yes!"

So, when you get a "No" then "Know" that you are that much closer to getting a "Wow, we'd LOVE to show your work."

Jill