Here's how you can conquer the fear of rejection when connecting with new contacts after facing failure.

The best thing to do in such a Scenario is to Scan the Environment. Listen with empathy, and identify the pain points of the concerned instead of jumping to conclusions. If feel cannot directly answer then go back, discuss with stakeholders and only answer once have feedback.

Being in fundraising, I heard a lot of no before I heard my first yes. I was discouraged at first because I was so excited and passionate about the organization I work for. But I quickly had to recognize that the rejection wasn't a personal one. People say no for many reasons and it's not usually personal. I did learn quickly that if I was respectful and gracious even when the answer was no, that a relationship was started. My reaction and response would determine how that person interacted with me in the future. Many, many times that first no eventually turned into a yes. So remember that the relationship starts with that first interaction, even if you don't get the outcome you desire from the get go.

It’s okay to be vulnerable. In fact, it’s admirable, and it’s a crucial step in overcoming the fear of rejection. Acknowledge and accept your own vulnerabilities, because embracing them is the only way meaningful connections are made. I understand you may have been vulnerable in the past, and all you received was rejection, but don’t let it stop you from taking that vulnerability elsewhere (where it’s genuinely appreciated). When we are open about our fears and failures, it creates space for genuine human connection and allows others to relate to us on a deeper level.

It takes being uncomfortable to truly conquer the fear of rejection. Do that by practicing. Start small and reach out to one new person every week. That could be a personalized LinkedIn message or an invitation to grab coffee. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the frequency of your outreach. Just remember that rejection is a natural part of the process, and each "no" brings you one step closer to a "yes." Your goal is to focus on the growth and learning opportunities that come with each interaction.

It doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion on why you were rejected. But as mentioned above, you must embrace discomfort in order to do that. Don’t take the feedback personally—it’s there to help you grow! Seek it from trusted mentors, colleagues, or friends who can provide insights into how you can improve your approach when connecting with new contacts. Ask for honest and constructive feedback on your communication style, networking strategies, and overall approach. You might see patterns you never saw before.