If you’re a freelancer, chances are you’ve experienced a rude client rejection at some point in your career. You know the kind: you put your heart and soul into a pitch, only to have the client come back with a terse “thanks, but no thanks.” It can be discouraging, to say the least. But don’t despair—there are ways to deal with rude client rejections that will leave you feeling empowered instead of beaten down. Here are four tips for dealing with rude client rejections.

Don’t take it personally.

This is easier said than done, of course. But it’s important to remember that when a client rejects your work, it’s not a reflection on you as a person—it’s simply a business decision. The client may have gone in a different direction, or they may have decided that your skills aren’t a good fit for their needs. Either way, it’s nothing personal.

Use the rejection as an opportunity to learn and grow.

When you’re faced with a rude rejection, take a step back and analyze what went wrong. Was there something you could have done differently? Is there something you can learn from the experience? Use the rejection as an opportunity to reflect on your process and see where you can make improvements for next time.

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback.

If a client rejects your work outright, they may not offer any feedback—and that’s their prerogative. But if you sense that there might be room for negotiation, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for specific feedback. Chances are, the client will be happy to provide it—and who knows? They may even change their mind about the project altogether.

Keep perspective.

It’s easy to get caught up in the emotion of a rejection and forget about the big picture—but it’s important to keep things in perspective. Remember that one rejection does not define your worth as a freelancer, and try not to let it impact your confidence too much. Instead, use it as motivation to keep pushing forward and landing new clients.

🍩 Just the Sprinkles

Dealing with rude client rejections is just part of being a freelancer—but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If you’re feeling discouraged after a recent rejection, follow these four tips: don’t take it personally, use the rejection as an opportunity to learn and grow, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback, and keep perspective. By following these tips, you’ll be able to turn those negative rejections into positive opportunities for growth!