Have you ever been rejected by a client? It happens to the best of us. It’s really frustrating as I’m sure you can imagine. It feels like someone just poured a bucket of freezing cold water over your head on a hot summer day. I’ve gotten rejected by big clients and small clients.
In this blog post, I’m going to share with you what I learned from each experience, that way if you’re ever faced with this dilemma, you can better handle it.
Here are my guesses as to why I might have been rejected by a long-term client.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Reflect on the reasons for client rejection. |
| 2. Learn from the experience to improve future work. |
| 3. Prioritize open communication with clients. |
| 4. Focus on building long-term client relationships. |
| 5. Embrace rejection as an opportunity for growth. |
1. The Wrong Time Zone
The client reached out to me on Upwork, and we communicated via email. The client also sent me a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) that I signed electronically. The client wanted me to write some content for them.
The first problem was that the client and I were in different time zones. They were in Washington, United States while I live in Africa. So we were 7 hours apart, which meant we couldn’t really talk at the same time of day unless it was super early morning or really late at night for one of us. That made communication a bit difficult.
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2. Too Expensive
I had a client who wanted me to write for him for $4 per 500 words. But I don’t work for that amount. So I gave him my rate and I was rejected. Here is how I felt about it:
I am worth it. If someone does not think so, that is fine by me. I don’t need every client to think that my rates are fair. There are clients who will pay my rate and more. If you have done your homework, you know what others in your industry charge, and if your rates are too high or not high enough, then that client is not fit for you anyway.
If they cannot afford you, they cannot afford you. Plain and simple. Sure, we all want clients but we do not want the ones who will make us feel like we are not getting paid enough for our goods and services.
3. Lack Of Communication
I was not communicating properly with the company. If they needed any revision in my content or they needed me to do something special, they would send me a mail.
But, I was so busy with my work and other clients that I hardly replied within 2 days. They thought that I was not serious about my job and they finally terminated our contract.
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4. Didn’t Know What My Customer Truly Wanted
In my experience, the key to landing a long-term client is to understand what they want and give it to them. It sounds easy, but without careful planning and communication, it’s easy to get off track and end up with unhappy customers who don’t want to work with you again.
They wanted to go with a freelance writer they already knew, who has worked on similar projects before because they know exactly what they will get from them, and it aligns well with their vision for the project(s).
5. Got Someone With More Experience
The client said that the person they hired had more experience than I did and that’s why they were chosen for the project. They were looking for someone who could work independently on their project without having to be hand-held through every step of the process.
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6. Didn’t Deliver On Time
I was providing less than expected service to the client. As a freelancer, we need to be honest about how much time it will take us to complete an order or provide service to the client. When we are not able to give our 100% effort then we should let them know in advance. This way, if they can wait for us, then we will be able to provide them better service and retain this client for a long time period
7. The Client Feels Like I am No Longer A Good Fit For Them
This happens to everyone at some point or another, and it isn’t always because you’ve done something wrong—sometimes, a client just realizes that they need different skills than what you offer (or at least, different skills on this specific project). Most of the time, when this happens, clients will let you know that they’re changing direction—but not always! When that happens, don’t take it personally—it’s just business.
8. My Work Wasn’t Up To Par
I felt bad because I worked with them for a long time, so I asked them if there was anything that I could improve. And this is what they told me: You need a better portfolio and case studies. It’s all about results, not just numbers. We want to see examples of growth from A to B after you implemented your strategies.
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9. I Didn’t Discuss The Project In Detail With The Client
When you are working as a freelancer, you have to discuss your project in detail with your client before starting the project. When he doesn’t know what he wants, it’s up to you to deliver something that will be accepted by him or not. You have to keep all the tiny details in your mind while discussing the project with your client.
So when you sit down with your client, make sure that you ask every single thing about his/her requirements related to the project. Make sure that you don’t leave anything out of the discussion because it might be important for you before starting.
10. Unprofessional Payment Request
The way I asked for payment was very unprofessional and unappealing to the eyes of clients. It made it seem like I didn’t care about them or what they thought of me, which is not true at all! Instead of asking for money upfront, try sending an invoice after each project has been completed successfully. This will show that you’re responsible and aware of your finances as well as being professional about getting paid on time!
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Takeaway
What was originally a negative experience, soon turned into a positive one once I realized that I had learned from my mistakes and grew since the submission that got me rejected. There were plenty of other agencies out there who were willing to work with me. And they would be grateful.
After all, they couldn’t expect perfection right? I had just learned something not only about myself but also about how much companies really want to bring on new talent. I didn’t let myself sink too low, I remembered why I wanted to be a freelance writer in the first place. When you’re working as a writer, you need to take rejection in stride and learn from your mistakes.
Further Reading
Indeed – When the Interview Went Well But You Were Rejected Short Description: Learn about dealing with job interview rejection despite a positive experience during the interview process.
GoodTherapy – Understanding and Coping with Rejection Short Description: Gain insights into understanding and coping with rejection, exploring its psychological aspects.
BetterUp – How to Deal with Rejection Short Description: Discover effective strategies for handling rejection and building resilience in personal and professional life.
FAQs
What should I do when I receive a job rejection after a successful interview?
Receiving a job rejection after a successful interview can be disheartening. Take some time to process your emotions, seek feedback from the interviewer, and use the experience to learn and improve for future opportunities.
How can I cope with the emotional impact of rejection?
Coping with rejection involves acknowledging your feelings, practicing self-compassion, and seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist. Engaging in self-care activities and focusing on your strengths can also help in building resilience.
Is rejection always a reflection of my abilities?
No, rejection does not always reflect your abilities. There could be various factors at play, including competition, company fit, or specific requirements that you may not have met. Avoid taking rejection personally and focus on continuous growth.
How do I maintain my motivation and confidence after facing rejection?
Maintaining motivation and confidence after rejection can be challenging. Set realistic goals, celebrate your achievements, and remind yourself of past successes. Surround yourself with a positive support system to keep moving forward.
Are there any benefits to experiencing rejection?
Experiencing rejection can lead to personal growth and resilience. It provides an opportunity to learn from setbacks, reassess your goals, and develop a stronger sense of determination and perseverance.
What Is The Difference Between A Regular Client And A Long Term Client?
A regular client is someone who you work with on an ongoing basis. It could be once per week, once per month, or even once per year. This person usually asks you to do something specific that they need help with but doesn’t have time to do it themselves.
A long-term client is someone who you work with for more than three months. They are looking for someone who can help them achieve their goals over an extended period of time, not just for one project. There may be multiple projects involved in this relationship as well as other tasks like managing their social media accounts or writing blog posts on their behalf.
What Is The Best Way To Apply?
The best way to apply is by going to the job page and looking at the available positions. After submitting your application you can contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We update the jobs page frequently so be sure to check back often.
What If The Client Provides A Reason For Rejecting The Writer?
Don’t take it personally. This is a business decision and has nothing to do with your skills as a writer. If there’s something you can learn from the rejection, great! But if there isn’t, remember that rejection is just part of the process.
If possible, talk about it with someone else on the platform. There may be someone else who has had a similar experience and can empathize with you.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.