The Early Days: A Heart Full of Hope
I still remember waking up every morning during the early days of building FAVORIOT with an excitement that felt like an adrenaline rush. It wasn’t just the buzz of starting something new; it was the vision, the dream that IoT could change industries and improve lives.
The endless possibilities of the Internet of Things filled my mind, painting vivid pictures of smart cities, connected devices, and seamless automation. It felt like we were on the brink of something extraordinary.
Every meeting felt like a golden ticket, an opportunity to make a mark. I would walk into rooms filled with potential customers and partners, armed with passion and an unwavering belief in FAVORIOT’s mission. I put my heart into every presentation, explaining how IoT wasn’t just a trend but the future.
I could see the spark in their eyes—that moment when the idea clicked, and they nodded enthusiastically. I left those meetings feeling optimistic, convinced that a follow-up email would soon seal the deal.
The Deafening Silence
But days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Once a symbol of hopeful anticipation, my inbox became a source of growing frustration. I refreshed my emails obsessively, waiting for responses that never came.
“Why can’t they just say no?” I often muttered, pacing the floor of my office.
It seemed simple—a clear rejection would be better than this soul-crushing silence. At least I could move on, refocus my efforts, and seek new opportunities. But the uncertainty? That was the worst. It felt like being stuck in limbo, caught between hope and resignation.
I wasn’t idle, though. I sent follow-up emails, made calls, and tried every approach I knew to reignite interest. But more often than not, my efforts were met with the same cold silence. It was like shouting into an empty room, hoping for an echo that never came.
The Sting of Missed Opportunities
The worst part wasn’t the silence. It was discovered that the same people who had shown so much enthusiasm for FAVORIOT had moved on and partnered with someone else.
“How could they?” I’d mutter, shaking my head in disbelief. “We had something here. Why didn’t they give us a chance?”
It wasn’t just a professional setback; it felt personal. I had invested time and effort and pieces of my dreams and aspirations into those meetings. Every missed opportunity felt like a small crack in my entrepreneurial spirit.
Questioning Everything
There were days when self-doubt crept in like an unwelcome guest. I questioned everything:
- Was it me?
- Was it the product?
- Did I say something wrong?
These thoughts gnawed at my confidence, making me second-guess every decision. It was tough, really tough. I felt like drowning in a sea of “what ifs” and “if only.”
A Turning Point: Seeking Advice
Amidst the frustration, I sought advice from other entrepreneurs who had faced similar situations. One conversation stands out. I was speaking with a seasoned business owner who had dealt with the same issues.
“Mazlan,” he said, looking me straight in the eye, “this is part of the process. Not everyone will have the courtesy to say no directly. 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. It was a relief to know I wasn’t alone in this experience, but it also reinforced a harsh reality: the business world doesn’t owe you an explanation.
Lessons Learned: The Value of Rejection
Looking back, those early frustrations were necessary lessons in disguise. Each rejection, each unanswered email, taught me valuable lessons:
- Patience: Good things take time. Not every seed you plant will grow immediately.
- Perseverance: The road to success is paved with obstacles. What matters is how you manage them.
- Resilience: Don’t let rejection define you. Use it as motivation to improve and push forward.
Changing the Approach
Instead of waiting passively for responses, I became more proactive. During meetings, I started asking direct questions:
- “What are your primary concerns?”
- “How can we better meet your needs?”
This shift not only helped me gauge genuine interest but also provided valuable insights into potential customers’ minds.
I learned to read between the lines and to differentiate between polite nods and sincere enthusiasm.
Building Meaningful Relationships
With this new approach, I stopped chasing every opportunity and focused on building meaningful relationships with people who truly believed in our vision. These partnerships, though fewer, were far more impactful.
One particularly memorable project was with a city council on a smart city initiative. It was a long shot, but our persistence paid off. The project was a great success, serving as proof for many who had doubted us.
The Turning Point
That project was a turning point, not just for FAVORIOT but for me personally. It validated the sleepless nights, the endless follow-ups, and the resilience it took to get there.
It was a reminder that success isn’t always about winning every deal; sometimes, it’s about learning from the ones you lose.
Sharing the Lessons
Today, I often share these lessons with new entrepreneurs. I tell them:
- “Don’t be afraid of rejection. Embrace it.”
- “Don’t let silence discourage you. Use it as a time to reflect and improve.”
- “Keep moving forward because the next opportunity is just around the corner.”
Gratitude for the Process
Reflecting on this experience, I realize that the early frustrations were not setbacks but stepping stones. They 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. I approach new opportunities with careful optimism, knowing that even in silence, there’s growth.
This experience has made me stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever to see FAVORIOT succeed.
In the end, every missed opportunity was just a lesson in disguise.
More Entrepreneurship Stories
- The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 8: The Frustration of Unanswered Emails and Missed Opportunities
- The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 7: The Task of Finding Favoriot’s First 10 Customers
- The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 6: Expanding The Business Models
- The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 5: Finding the Right Fit
- The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 4: How Favoriot Became More Than Just an IoT Platform
- The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 3: Why No One Wanted Our IoT Platform—And How We Turned It Around
- The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 2: Turning Failures into Milestones
- The Story Behind Favoriot – Part I: The Humble Beginnings of Favoriot
- Building My Personal Brand: The Stepping Stone to Favoriot’s Success
- From Research Lab Critiques to Startup Pitches: My Slide Story
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 