When you set out to create something, you're going to hear a lot more "no'' than "yes" — but don't let that discourage you. Instead, make it work in your favor.

I founded TO THE MARKET to power the ethical and sustainable supply chain, a value proposition that seems hard to argue with, but that hasn't stopped me from being on the receiving end of a steady stream of rejection. It's taken me a long time to learn how to accept rejection and turn it into a driving force. From understanding how to process feedback to practicing patience and establishing a network of support, these lessons have been invaluable — and essential — to my growth as an entrepreneur, and every step of the way was a vital one on my path to building my business.

Below are some of the biggest lessons I have learned to date; those that have kept me going and still keep me going even today.

Related: The Key to Confronting Rejection Without Breaking Your Resolve

1. When you receive feedback, consider where it's coming from

You will hear a lot of advice and, even though you may think you should hang on everyone's every word, you would do yourself a service to take much of it with a grain of salt. Focus most closely on what comes from people who have actually done what you are doing — those who are in the industry doing your role and have real-world, hands-on experience.

 

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