How to handle “Rejection”?
In the mist of Covid-19 (Corona Virus), we at JDS WebDesign are hoping everyone is safe, washing your hands frequently, sneezing and coughing in your elbow, and practicing social distancing. Over the next several weeks, we are planning on blogging about how to make your website more business friendly. We will have some tutorials on our favorite plugins and features, which will make your site more efficient.
Recently I read an article titled, “How to survive 150 straight rejections” by Joe Keohane. My first reaction was welcome to my world. Rejection becomes a part of business, but rejection is not a bad word for a small business owner. Many of my rejections are initiated by me. Your budget is how much? Your in what industry? You want to pay me when? You need me to do what? You are looking for how many visitors? Okay…my schedule is full for the next eighteen (18) months. My policy is to collect full amount of the project prior to starting any work.
In all seriousness, some of my best projects began with a rejection. My fee is above what the client budget. My time frame is longer than the client expected. My design process is a long and details some hard to answer questions…why do you need a new site? who is you target audience? what are your expectations? how are you going to manage your site? do you have the proper people in place to keep the site, after the keys are turned over to you? So rejection comes in many forms…just not about economics or lack of economics.
The other day, I was almost baited into a tweeter debate about why designers / developers disappear on new projects. My thought was we never disappear at the beginning of a project. Now we (some bad ones) do disappear if the project is over their talent (or experience level). Some disappear, when the money is not right. The debate was about looking for designers and developers…I advised my availability. Of course, no project was available at this time…just a rant about designers / developers not fulfilling project. When money and time was pushed into the conversation…it began to go south. I quickly removed myself from the debate…and offer my services for future projects.
My best way to explain how to survive rejections.
*Every experience should be a lesson learned. Most rejections are communication based. How can you explain your process? How can you explained the cost of the project? How can you make sure everyone understands deliverable?
*This is your job. Whether you are a free lance, agency, or buddy living in your aunts basement. If your getting paid, then it is a job. Treat it like a job. Explain your design process…Send your client a contract with deliverable and time frame…Set your prices up according to your experience, cost of theme (unless it is custom), plugins, and time needed for the project.
*Be professional to contact your client if something is delayed. Maybe you need some help with some graphic works…plugins functionality…color scheme…etc. Just let your client know…communication is important.
*Remember everyone is not your client, it is okay to move on from a project or client.
Image courtesy of Dan Gold.
JDS WebDesign is a Web Design and Brand Marketing Agency located in Marietta, Georgia. We create AWESOME on line presence for Start-ups and Influential People/Organizations. To learn more about us or how we can help you and your organization, you can contact us or schedule a meeting.
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