How I Turned a Rejected Proposal Into 3 Referrals 🔥
Got a "no" email on a Tuesday. Felt defeated. Then I sent one follow-up message that changed everything.
THE REJECTION:
"Thanks for the proposal but we've decided to handle this internally for now. Appreciate your time."
My stomach dropped. I had spent 4 hours building a custom demo.
THE OLD ME RESPONSE:
Would have replied: "No problem, let me know if anything changes."
Then moved on feeling sorry for myself.
THE NEW RESPONSE:
"Totally understand. Before I go - you mentioned you know other landscaping companies. Any of them drowning in paperwork too? Happy to help them even if we're not the right fit for you."
THE REPLY THAT SHOCKED ME:
"Actually yes. My buddy Jake runs a bigger operation and complains about invoices constantly. Let me connect you."
One week later: $1,800 contract with Jake.
But it got better.
THE REFERRAL CHAIN:
Jake mentioned me to his accountant
Accountant had 2 other clients with document pain
Both became clients within 30 days
Original rejection: Led to $5,400 in new business.
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF REJECTED PROSPECTS:
They feel slightly guilty for wasting your time
They want to help somehow
Referral request gives them an easy way to reciprocate
They know others with similar problems
THE EXACT SCRIPT:
After any rejection send this:
"Completely understand and no hard feelings. Quick question before I go - do you know anyone else in [their industry] who might be struggling with [their original pain point]? Happy to help them even if we weren't the right fit for you."
THE TIMING MATTERS:
Send within 24 hours of rejection
While you are still fresh in their mind
Before guilt fades
Strike while they want to help
MY REFERRAL STATS FROM REJECTIONS:
Proposals rejected: 12
Referral requests sent: 12
Referrals received: 7
Clients from referrals: 4
Revenue from "no" responses: $7,200
THE MINDSET SHIFT:
Every rejection is a referral opportunity
"No" is not the end of conversation
They know other people with the same problem
Ask and you receive
WHAT MAKES A GOOD REFERRAL REQUEST:
Specific industry mention
Specific pain point mention
No pressure or guilt
Easy for them to think of someone
Clear benefit to the person being referred
THE FOLLOW-UP AFTER REFERRAL:
When they give a name: "Thanks so much. Mind if I mention you introduced us?"
This warms the cold intro.
When reaching out: "[Name] mentioned you might be dealing with [pain]. They thought I could help."
THE REFERRAL TRACKING:
Keep simple spreadsheet:
- Rejected prospect name
- Referral request sent (Y/N)
- Referral received (Y/N)
- Referral name
- Outcome
Patterns emerge. Some industries refer more than others.
YOUR HOMEWORK:
Think of your last 3 rejected prospects
Send each the referral request message today
Track responses
One of them will give you a name
The worst they can say is nothing. The best case is a new client.
When was the last time you asked a rejected prospect for a referral?
8
9 comments
How I Turned a Rejected Proposal Into 3 Referrals 🔥
powered by
skool.com/ai-first-client-formula-8589
From zero to first $1k/month with AI automation in 30 days. Get the exact formula + templates that landed 100+ their first client.
Suggested communities
Powered by