How Overcoming the Frustration of Unanswered Emails and Missed Opportunities Shaped My Entrepreneurial Journey
In the early days of building FAVORIOT, I would wake up every morning excitedly. I was fuelled by the vision of what we could achieve with the Internet of Things (IoT).
The endless possibilities of how IoT could revolutionize industries danced in my mind, and I was eager to bring these visions to life. It was an exhilarating time filled with the hope and energy of starting something new.
I remember those initial days vividly.
Every meeting felt like an opportunity to make a difference. I would sit across from potential customers and partners, passionately sharing FAVORIOT’s vision.
Their faces lit up with interest, and I could see the wheels turning in their heads. They nodded along, asked insightful questions, and expressed genuine enthusiasm for what we were doing. I would leave those meetings on a high, thinking, “This is it. They see the potential just like I do.”
But my excitement waned as the days turned weeks and weeks into months. I checked my inbox repeatedly, waiting for that follow-up email that never seemed to come. The silence was deafening. It wasn’t just disappointing; it was maddening.
I had poured my heart into those presentations and shared our vision with all the enthusiasm I could muster, and yet, I was still waiting for a response.
“Why can’t they just say no?” I would grumble to myself, pacing the floor of my office.
It seemed so simple.
A clear rejection would be far better than this agonizing uncertainty. I could move on, refocus my efforts, and find other opportunities. But this silence? It was like being stuck in limbo, unsure whether to wait or to move on.
I wasn’t just sitting idly by, though. I made countless follow-up calls, sent numerous emails, and tried every way I knew to reignite the interest we had once shared.
But more often than not, these efforts were met with continued silence. It felt like I was shouting into a void, hoping for an echo that never came. The optimism that had fuelled me initially was slowly replaced by frustration and doubt.
The worst was when the silence was eventually broken, not by a response to my follow-ups but by news that stung even more. I would discover that the same potential partners or customers who had once shown interest in FAVORIOT had partnered with someone else. It wasn’t just a professional setback; it felt like a personal betrayal.
“How could they?” I would 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 reminded me of the unpredictable nature of business and the often-unspoken dynamics that influence decisions.
It was tough, really tough.
There were days when I questioned everything. Was it me? Was it the product? Was it something I said or didn’t say? Self-doubt crept in, gnawing away at my confidence.
Amidst these frustrations, I sought advice from other entrepreneurs who had walked this path before me.
One conversation stands out.
I was speaking with a seasoned business owner who had faced similar challenges in his early days.
“Mazlan,” he said, looking me straight in the eye, “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 were both comforting and sobering. On one hand, it was a relief to know that I wasn’t alone in this experience. On the other hand, it reinforced the harsh reality of the business world — people won’t always be upfront, and not every opportunity will pan out.
It was a harsh lesson, but one that I needed to learn.
Reflecting on those early experiences, I realized how much I had grown since then. The frustrations that once seemed overwhelming were now seen in a different light. Each rejection and moment of silence taught me valuable lessons in patience and perseverance.
During these quiet times, I learned to refine our offerings, improve our pitch, and, most importantly, never take rejections personally.
I began to change my approach. Instead of waiting passively for responses, I became more proactive during initial meetings.
“What are your primary concerns?” I would ask. How can we better meet your needs?” This shift in strategy 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.
This new approach paid off. Instead of chasing every opportunity, I focused on building a more robust network of reliable partners who understood and appreciated our vision.
These partnerships, while fewer in number, were far more fruitful. They led to significant breakthroughs for FAVORIOT, and we began to collaborate on projects showcasing IoT’s real potential.
Gradually, we started 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 and was 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 those early frustrations were a necessary part of the journey. They tested my commitment to FAVORIOT’s vision 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.
I now approach each new opportunity cautiously and optimistically, knowing that the silence that once frustrated me is another part of the process.
This process has made me stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever to see FAVORIOT succeed.
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Dr. Mazlan Abbas 