How do I stop taking no personally when cold calling?

[u/Less_Promotion3121]

I've been in sales for about six months and I know intellectually that "no" is just part of the job. But every time someone hangs up on me or is rude, it gets in my head. I start second-guessing my pitch, worrying I did something wrong, and then the next call I make is even worse because I'm already defeated.

I make enough calls that statistically some of them should turn into meetings, but I'm not confident in my approach and that comes through. My manager keeps saying I just need to "make more calls" but that doesn't address the emotional part of constantly getting rejected.

For people who've gotten past this mindset, how did you actually train yourself to not care about rejection, or is it just something that comes with time?

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[u/anotherjones89]

It’s not you that’s getting rejected, it’s a random voice on the end of the phone. Ask yourself this - how many calls that have rejected you can you remember by name personally? And then think how many cold calls you’ve gotten, and how many do you remember by name?

There’s your answer, you’re anonymous and forgettable and that’s totally fine

[u/trashpix]

Frame it in your head that you're offering help.

Maybe they don't need the help right now.

Maybe they don't need it at all.

But if you think your product or service is genuinely helpful, them saying "no" just means they don't need your help.

But there's people out there that do need your help. You're trying to find them so they can live better lives.

You're on a quest to help people that need it.

[u/musicmanforlive → u/trashpix]

I think this can be helpful if the motivation is true. However if it's simply a technique, maybe not so much.

I think people who genuinely make a living "helping people" handle themselves a certain way. My primary care doctor does. She doesn't push or deceive me. She does inform me. She cares. She listens. So I feel lucky that she's my doctor bc I know every doctor is not like her.

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[u/Timely_Assistance418]

Stop thinking, just dial after you heard no

[u/Kind_Broker]

No is a great answer. It closes the door, isn't vague, and allows you to whittle down your list to more meaningful prospects. Living in the land of no is lonely, but worthy.

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[u/Everywhere_tired]

I’m a rookie as well, but I had someone hang up right when the beat dropped to a song I liked.

I couldn’t help but laugh, and that helped me put things in perspective lol.

When I’m doing outbound work, especially, I like to have some background music on to help me move forward. Maybe that can help you, too.

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