In Business, It’s Better to Say “No” Than a Long Silence

BUSINESS STORIES

How do you tackle this situation differently?

In the early days of founding FAVORIOT, my excitement was palpable. I recall waking up each morning, brimming with anticipation for what the day might bring. I envisioned countless opportunities, partnerships, and groundbreaking projects to revolutionize industries with the Internet of Things (IoT).

My mind was a whirlwind of possibilities, and I was eager to bring these visions to life.

However, as any seasoned entrepreneur will tell you, the path to success is often fraught with challenges and frustrations that test your resolve.

One of the most frustrating experiences I encountered was the initial enthusiasm of potential customers and partners, only to be met with a deafening silence after our first meetings. I remember vividly the thrill of presenting our IoT solutions to a room full of attentive faces, each nodding in agreement and expressing keen interest. Their excitement mirrored mine, and I left those meetings with accomplishment and optimism.

“Finally,” I would think, “they see the potential just as I do. This is going to be the start of something great.”

However, days would turn weeks and weeks into months, with no follow-up from the very people who seemed so eager to collaborate. I repeatedly checked my email, hoping for a response that never came. The silence was not just disheartening; it was infuriating.

“Why can’t they just say no?” I would vent in the privacy of my office. “A clear rejection is far better than this uncertainty.”

It wasn’t just the absence of a reply that was frustrating, but the wasted effort in following up, hoping to reignite the interest we once shared. Each follow-up email or phone call felt like a stab in the dark, a desperate attempt to keep the dialogue alive.

More often than not, these efforts were met with continued silence. The optimism that had once fueled my days began to wane, replaced by a growing sense of futility.

Then, there were the times when the silence was broken by news that stung even more.

I would discover that the same potential partners or customers who had once expressed interest in FAVORIOT had partnered with someone else. It wasn’t just a professional setback; it felt personal.

“How could they?” I’d mutter, shaking my head in disbelief. “We had something good here. Why didn’t they give us a chance?”

This cycle of initial excitement, followed by prolonged silence and eventual rejection, was a bitter pill to swallow. Each instance was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of business and the often-unspoken dynamics that influence decisions.

Amid these frustrations, I sought solace and advice from fellow entrepreneurs. I remember one particular conversation with a seasoned business owner who had faced similar challenges.

“Mazlan,” he said, “this is part of the game. You’ll face many who won’t have the courtesy to say no outright. It’s not about you or your product; sometimes, they’re just not ready, or they’ve found something that fits their immediate needs better.”

His words offered some comfort, but they didn’t ease the sting of each rejection.

Nevertheless, they reinforced an important lesson: resilience. Bouncing back from setbacks and pushing forward is crucial in the entrepreneurial journey.

Reflecting on those early days, I realize how much I’ve grown since then. The frustrations that once seemed impossible are now seen in a different light.

Each rejection, each moment of silence, was a lesson in patience and perseverance. It was during these quiet times that I learned to refine our offerings, improve our pitch, and, most importantly, to never take rejections personally.

I began to adopt a new approach.

Instead of waiting passively for responses, I proactively sought feedback during the initial meetings.

“What are your primary concerns?” I’d ask. “How can we better meet your needs?”

This proactive stance not only helped gauge genuine interest but also provided valuable insights into potential customers’ minds. I learned to identify the signals of genuine interest versus polite engagement, allowing me to focus my efforts more effectively.

Moreover, I started to build a more robust network of reliable partners who understood and appreciated our vision.

These partnerships, while fewer in number, were far more fruitful and led to significant breakthroughs for FAVORIOT.

We began to collaborate on projects showcasing IoT’s real potential, gradually building our reputation and credibility in the industry.

One particularly memorable project was collaborating with a city council on a smart city initiative. It was a long shot, but our persistence paid off.

The project was a resounding success, as proof of concept for many who doubted us. It was a turning point, not just for FAVORIOT, but for me. It validated the sleepless nights, the endless follow-ups, and the resilience required to get us to that point.

Looking back, I realize that the early frustrations were a necessary part of the journey.

They tested my commitment to the vision of FAVORIOT and forced me to develop a thicker skin.

More importantly, they taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of learning from every positive or negative experience.

Today, as I stand on the other side of those challenges, I often share these lessons with budding entrepreneurs. I tell them that the path to success is rarely straightforward. It’s filled with unexpected twists and turns, moments of doubt, and frustration.

But each challenge is an opportunity to grow, learn, and improve.

“If I could give you one piece of advice,” I often say, “it’s never to let silence discourage you. Use it to reflect, improve, and prepare for the next opportunity. Because, trust me, there will always be another opportunity.”

Ultimately, the journey of building FAVORIOT has been as much about personal growth as it has been about professional achievement.

The early frustrations, the silent rejections, and the moments of doubt have all shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today.

And for that, I am grateful.

The road ahead remains challenging, but with each step, I carry the lessons of the past, ready to face whatever comes next.