82. Navigating the Fear of Rejection in Business

Rejection. That heavy word we all try to avoid, yet every entrepreneur faces it at some point. Whether it’s being ghosted after a proposal, watching potential clients disappear after a few warm leads, or hearing a flat-out “no” after pitching your passion-filled services—rejection stings.

But here’s the truth I’ve come to embrace after years in business: rejection is not the end of your story. It’s a teacher. A redirector. A reminder that you’re brave enough to show up, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

I recently recorded an episode of Her Business Elevated on this very topic because I’ve had to wrestle with the sting of rejection too. And I know I’m not the only one. So if you’ve ever felt discouraged by a lost client, a dead-end opportunity, or just plain silence after you put your heart on the line—this one’s for you.

Listen to the podcast here…

Listen to “82. Navigating the Fear of Rejection in Business” on Spreaker.

Rejection Is Part of the Journey

Let’s go ahead and say it together: rejection is inevitable in business.

I know that’s not exactly comforting, but it is freeing. Because the sooner we stop trying to avoid rejection, the sooner we can start embracing it as part of the process.

I’ve had clients go completely silent after we’ve had several warm and productive calls. I sent the proposal. I followed up. I left the door open for negotiation. But then—crickets.

At first, I took it personally. I assumed maybe my prices scared them off, even though everything I offer is value-packed and customizable. I found myself wondering, Was I too confident? Did I ask for too much? But over time, I realized something important: their silence said more about where they were than it did about me.

Because most of the time, it’s not that your offer is too much—it’s that they’re not ready. They don’t fully believe in themselves yet. They’re still battling with uncertainty, with fear around money, or with a lack of clarity about their goals.

And that’s the piece we often miss as service providers and creatives: we’re not just offering a product. We’re inviting people into transformation. And transformation is scary. Especially for people who aren’t ready to do the internal work.

From “No” to “Not Yet”: Reframing Rejection

So how do we shift the way we look at rejection?

It starts with changing the language we use.

Instead of thinking, “They didn’t choose me,” start saying, “This wasn’t the right fit or the right time.”

Instead of spiraling into self-doubt, get curious: What might this rejection be teaching me? What can I learn about my pitch, my clarity, or my ideal client from this experience?

Rejection can be powerful feedback. Even silence can tell us something. Maybe our offer wasn’t clearly communicated. Maybe the client needed more support before taking that next step. Or maybe—just maybe—it had nothing to do with us at all.

And sometimes, rejection is the redirection we didn’t know we needed.

Take Myleik Teele, founder of CurlBox, for example. Early in her career, she applied for a job in the beauty industry and was rejected—hard. But that rejection sparked something bold in her. It pushed her to create her own lane. And today, CurlBox is one of the most iconic subscription boxes for natural hair care. Her story is proof that one person’s “no” might be the very thing that launches you into your divine “yes.”

Building Resilience as a Woman in Business

Let’s get real—being rejected never feels good. But that doesn’t mean we have to stay wounded by it. One of the most powerful tools you can develop in your entrepreneurial journey is emotional resilience.

Here’s how I personally build resilience when the “no’s” pile up:

1. Reconnect with Your “Why”

When the results aren’t immediate, go back to your core reason for starting your business. Who are you helping? Why does your work matter? Grounding yourself in purpose makes the rejection feel less personal and more like part of the process.

2. Celebrate the Clients Who Do Get It

One of my favorite moments recently was working with my amazing client, Tracy Kelly, a homeschool coach and educator who’s now expanding her services to include tutoring. We recently updated her tutoring services page together, and watching her walk in her purpose with clarity and confidence reminded me that aligned clients exist. She showed up knowing what she wanted, and we moved forward with ease and excitement. These are the people we build for.

Celebrate those moments. Let them remind you that there are clients out there who do see your value and are ready to take action.

3. Don’t Internalize the Silence

It’s so easy to take ghosting or rejection as a personal attack, but often, it’s just about timing. People freeze when they’re afraid. They delay decisions when they’re unsure. That doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. That means they’re still figuring it out—and your job is to keep showing up for the ones who are ready.

4. Practice Detachment

Serve, offer, show up with excellence—but don’t tie your identity to whether someone says yes. Not every proposal will turn into a paycheck, and not every lead will become a client. And that’s okay. Detaching from the outcome frees you to operate from a place of generosity, not desperation.

Encouragement for the Journey

If you’re in a season of “no’s” right now, I just want to remind you—you are not alone. Every successful woman you admire has faced rejection, pivoted, and kept showing up anyway.

You can do the same.

This episode of Her Business Elevated is here to remind you of your power. You are building something beautiful. And every closed door is making space for one that’s better aligned.

So take heart, sis. Your people are out there. Your voice matters. And your business was born for impact.

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Featured Entrepreneur: Tracy Kelly

Before we wrap up, I want to spotlight one of my amazing clients and our Featured Entrepreneur of the Week: Tracy Kelly!

Tracy is a passionate homeschool coach and educator based in the U.S. who’s doing phenomenal work in her community. She’s recently expanded into private tutoring services and is committed to helping students succeed in personalized and faith-driven ways. We just finished revamping her tutoring page to help her reach more families with her message—and I couldn’t be prouder of the way she’s stepping forward in faith and purpose.

If you’re in need of tutoring support or want to support a fellow entrepreneur doing meaningful work, be sure to check her out!

Let’s Stay Connected

If this message resonated with you, be sure to:

Listen to the full episode of Her Business Elevated wherever you get your podcasts.

Watch my latest YouTube video where I talk about building the confidence to share your voice through blogging—perfect for those who feel called to create but aren’t sure how to start.

Looking to streamline your client onboarding process like I did? I highly recommend HoneyBook—my go-to system for contracts, invoices, and proposals. Use my referral link for 30% off.

Are you a Christian podcaster or aspiring faith-based content creator? Join the Christian Women Podcasters Network. Right now, you can get a free listing and your very own promo page to share your message with the world. Plus, browse other inspiring shows hosted by faith-filled women. You never know who’s waiting to hear your voice.

And if you’re ready to launch, grow, or elevate your podcast, come find me at SoulPodcasting.com. Whether you need edits, strategy, or coaching—I’ve got you.

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Let’s keep showing up, friend. Even in the face of rejection. Because your “yes” is coming.

With heart and strategy,
Demetria