‘We can get hurt by it and learn to fear rejection or we can learn from it and recognise it’s a natural consequence of being in the tutoring business’
Neil tackles rejection and explores the varied situations in which tutors can be rejected and the ways in which you can learn and adapt if you understand the rejection and respond in positive ways that are focused on developing your business and moving forward.
If you want to understand why sometimes be rejected is the best way forward then tune in now!
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Everyone suffers from rejection and how you respond to it is a choice.
It can knock your confidence but it’s important to look at the reasons and understand it is not personal.
If your values are not aligned with the potential client then it can be better to not work together. You should consider this more long-term view when you respond to the rejection.
It important to look for patterns, it is possible you are repeatedly doing something that is leading to rejection.
Rejection is an invaluable opportunity to learn and adapt, what you are doing to effectively meet the needs of your clients.
There are a range of situations as a tutor where rejection is possible;

The no show students – it’s important to set yourself the rule of not dealing with these types of people.

Students who quit - Students priorities are not the same as those of the tutor, asking and finding out why they are quitting establishes communication that can help to ensure the student knows they can return later.

Not getting hired by a new prospect – this can be due to a mismatch in values and approaches between you and the client.

Not getting hired by parents- this is often influenced by schedules and the logistics of getting the student to you at the required time.

Not getting hired by institutions – these form only one possible income stream and there are costs involved in whatever you are doing if you are working for schools your time for other revenue streams is limited.

Telephone tyre-kickers – these are price driven commodity consumers; you must value the service and expertise you offer. If you are able to eliminate these individuals at the telephone stage then you can save valuable time further on in the process.

Email enquiries that don’t get back to you – sending a communication to clarify why they didn’t follow through with the booking can provide helpful feedback.
If you’re in the game there is a price to pay and rejection is part of it, it is the way in which we respond, learn and adapt that is vital for any business moving forward.
 
BEST MOMENTS
‘I will keep the door open for the future unless I have decided I don’t want to work with the individual due to the DDWT’
‘Rejection is usually not personal, none of us is universally appealing ‘
‘I like to do it my way as it produces better results than grade-based work’
‘I teach them to love making music and be creative’
 
VALUABLE RESOURCES
The Tutor Podcast
Weird Things Guitarists Do book by Neil Cowmeadow
www.Neilcowmeadow.com
 
ABOUT THE HOST
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!
 
CONTACT METHOD
[email protected]
 
 

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