Overcoming Rejection in Online Business

The Human Element in Online Business

The first principle of marketing is that people prefer to do business with other people. If a potential client's only interaction is with an impersonal affiliate page, they are likely to move on. Would you do business with someone you've never heard of, know nothing about, and have no way of contacting?

Making yourself known is a powerful statement about your business. Providing a brief background about yourself, along with contact information, can instill confidence in potential clients. For instance, I have full contact information, including a phone number, on my website. This allows clients to reach out if they have questions or issues.

Fear of Exposure: A Myth

You might worry that sharing your phone number online could lead to unwanted calls. However, in my eight years of online business, I've never received a prank call. I specify the hours during which I can be reached and rarely receive calls outside of that timeframe. After hours, I use an answering machine with a broadcast message that doesn't allow for messages to be left.

Most people will opt to use email rather than call. However, the presence of a phone number can alleviate their concerns. I don't recommend using a toll-free number, as people may hesitate to spend their own money to call. I also provide a mailing address, and despite fears, I've never been visited by unwanted guests.

Including a photo with your bio can also help establish a personal connection with potential clients. The more personal the bond, the higher your chances of success.

Learning from Rejection

The second principle of business is to learn from your mistakes and correct them. During World War II, a group of young RAF pilots coined the phrase "every knock is one step closer to home" when their engines misfired due to enemy fire. This attitude can be applied to business. If you can understand why your offer is being rejected, you're one step closer to achieving your goals. Even large companies conduct studies on their ad campaigns to improve them.

Encouraging feedback on your webpage can be beneficial. Don't be disheartened by negative comments; they're triggered by something, so don't take them personally. I recommend using the "mailto:" command rather than a form for feedback, as it ensures the return address is valid.

While some may wish to remain anonymous, a form that simply allows them to vent serves little purpose. You don't want to be influenced by bored individuals with nothing better to do.

Respond to all legitimate replies to understand their reservations. This process alone may win them over. Rejection isn't always bad, and if used correctly, it may even disappear.