Back in school, there was something that used to confuse me.
I’d sit there in my classroom, looking at some of these guys who weren’t exactly the brightest bulbs in the box. They didn’t top the class. They weren’t prefects. They didn’t play any sport — not even chess. And they certainly weren’t rich. But somehow… they were always surrounded by the most beautiful girls on campus.
I used to think, “Is there a hidden curriculum I missed? Do these guys have ancestral powers? Or maybe they were just lucky?”
It wasn’t until I grew up and entered the world of business and sales that I realized something profound:
These guys weren’t lucky — they were just fearless. They had mastered the art of sales.
They didn’t fear rejection. That was their secret weapon.
The Disease Called Fear of Rejection
Let’s be honest — most people hate sales not because it’s hard, but because sales exposes you to rejection. It makes you vulnerable. You have to hear people say “no,” ignore your calls, lie to your face, and even read your messages without responding (blue ticked into depression).
Rejection is uncomfortable. And let’s be even more honest: many people would rather sit in poverty with dignity than chase opportunity with boldness.
That’s why some stay broke, quiet, and proud — instead of being loud, persistent, and paid.
The CEO and the Call that Changed Everything
Just recently, I was calling this top CEO — you know the type: polished, busy, and allergic to interruptions.
After my third or fourth attempt, he finally picked up and said:
“Jerry, you’ve been calling me several times. I’m not interested in your services.”
Now, most people would have apologized and crawled back into their rejection cave. But not me. I said:
“I completely understand and agree with you, Sir. But I don’t expect you to be interested in what you don’t know. So how is your tomorrow at 11am for a meeting? Or Wednesday at 2pm?”
There was silence. Then he chuckled and said:
“Haa, you’re even insisting? Okay, come at 11.”
I replied, “Thank you, Sir, for the opportunity.”
When I got to his office, I looked him in the eye and said:
“Even if you hadn’t given me the meeting, I was still going to call you again. Because I believe this product is meant for you.”
Lesson? Rejection Is Not the End — It’s Just a Test
In sales, in business, in love, in life — you won’t get what you want if you fear rejection.
The guys who got the girls back then? They had nothing fancy — no iPhones, no six-packs, not even a transport allowance. But they had one thing: confidence to approach, try, and persist.
Rejection isn’t personal. It’s a badge of honor.
The more you collect, the closer you get to a “yes.”
So whether you’re pitching to a CEO, proposing to your crush, or trying to sell tomatoes in the market — just remember: if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
And if they say no? Smile and ask again.
#SalesIsLife
#RejectionProof
#ConfidenceIsCurrency
#LessonsFromSchool
