Rejection Isn’t Personal—It’s Redirection

I was 23 when I got my first major "no" in business.

I had pitched myself to a company I admired, convinced they’d jump at the chance to work with me. I spent days perfecting my proposal, going over every detail, visualizing how incredible this opportunity would be.

And then?

"We’ve decided to move forward with someone else."

I remember staring at that email, feeling like someone had punched me in the stomach.

I almost let it break me.
I almost let it stop me from pitching myself again.

But months later, something interesting happened.

That same company? The one that told me no? I ended up working with their biggest competitor at an even higher rate.

And that’s when I realized—rejection isn’t personal. It’s redirection.

Every "no" you hear? It’s just a course correction toward something better.

• The client who ghosts you? Wasn’t aligned.

• The person who says they can’t afford you? Never valued your work.

• The opportunity that slips away? Wasn’t meant for the version of you that’s still coming.

Women at the highest levels? They get rejected all the time. Not because they’re not good, but because they play bigger.

If you’re afraid of hearing no, let me tell you something—the more you put yourself out there, the more doors will open.

And sometimes? The “no” is a blessing in disguise.

If you’ve been holding back because of fear of rejection, email me at branding@shannysommer.com. Let’s get you playing bigger.