I recently had a
potential client decide that my services would not be used. I was perplexed. We
had met and had a tasting. We designed a very elegant and unique cake that fit
into their budget. They were ready to make their deposit. As a matter of fact,
it was only hours between the email that said they would like to pay the deposit
and we will not be in need of your services.
A few years ago this
whole situation would have sent me into a tailspin of, "What did I do wrong?" I would have
agonized over it and without ever asking probably never have known the answer.
I would have felt defeated and just know that nobody else was going to do
business with me.
From a professional
standpoint I'm a little longer in the tooth now. I'm not saying it doesn't
bother me when I get a rejection (because sometimes you know it's for the
better) but it doesn't send me into such a drama.
When I received the
above email I responded with one of my own. I am sorry that they have decided
to look elsewhere and could they please tell me what changed their mind. A few
years ago I would have never asked because of fear of what I'd hear. But
believe it or not it was reading a business article on why it's okay to ask a
client why they reject you made me feel better.
I was given a response
and again did not go into a tailspin over the reaction. I have learned that a
rejection is not the end of the world but if you are going to ask for a reason
you should be open minded about what you may hear.
The silver lining for
me is that I have a cake design in my folder of designs that I didn't have
before and will enjoy creating it for display or incorporating arts into some
other lucky bride’s cake. Until it's been created it's still unique and idea
generation is half the battle sometimes.
So today I'm okay with
my rejection; sometimes it's you, sometimes it's them and sometimes it's just
best.
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