When things don't go well
1. When You Make A Mistake - First apologize. I once had a person advise me to never apologize. Explain, fix, adjust, but don't apologize because it is a sign of weakness. Stupid. An apology is an important part of (although not the only part) of fixing things. Second, explain what you will do to make it right. Third, explain why it won't happen again IF you have made changes.
2. When You Don't Get The Business - A letter thanking the prospect for their time considering you. Highlight (briefly) what you thought were your strengths, wish them well with their decision and encourage them to contact you for future opportunities. Maybe include a nice piece of summary literature in a folder with your name on it so they can file it away for future reference.
3. When You Lose The Business - Don't burn bridges. Organizations have memories and even if the person who axed you is gone later, they will likely have used any trouble you gave them to further justify their decision to colleagues, poisoning your chances.
4. When You Weren't Considered - First, think about why? Was there an intermediary who you should spend more time convincing of your value? Were you too expensive? Maybe it wasn't a good fit? If you can address this problem, do it, otherwise move on. You will not be a fit for everyone.
5. Above All - Maintain perspective. Get feedback without comment (listen). Think of actions/adjustments that could be made. Evaluate and implement or discard. Learn something and improve.
2. When You Don't Get The Business - A letter thanking the prospect for their time considering you. Highlight (briefly) what you thought were your strengths, wish them well with their decision and encourage them to contact you for future opportunities. Maybe include a nice piece of summary literature in a folder with your name on it so they can file it away for future reference.
3. When You Lose The Business - Don't burn bridges. Organizations have memories and even if the person who axed you is gone later, they will likely have used any trouble you gave them to further justify their decision to colleagues, poisoning your chances.
4. When You Weren't Considered - First, think about why? Was there an intermediary who you should spend more time convincing of your value? Were you too expensive? Maybe it wasn't a good fit? If you can address this problem, do it, otherwise move on. You will not be a fit for everyone.
5. Above All - Maintain perspective. Get feedback without comment (listen). Think of actions/adjustments that could be made. Evaluate and implement or discard. Learn something and improve.
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