Irony. One definition I read explained it as "an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected."

I was a shy child. Terrified of rejection. All I wanted was to make sure everyone around me was happy, and think that I was the perfect child. That is why its very ironic to me that I chose to enter into a career where I face lots of rejection. By now you have probably recognized that in this industry you are going to have to get used to hearing "no", "you aren't the right fit", or maybe just never hearing anything at all. 

 Some of you will have the ability to brush off the brush offs with a simple shake of your head and wake up the next morning fresh as a daisy full of ambition. 

For the rest of you, here are some tips on how to deal.

  1. It's not personal! In this industry they already have in their minds what they are looking for before you even come in. So try as hard as you may, when you walk in, they will know in about 10 seconds whether or not you fit the look they are going for. Believe me, they want you to fit the role, but if you don't fit the "look" its just business. There is always next time! 
  2. One thing you can do to increase your "fit" is to work on your signature style. Who are you? What is your "look".
  3. Always keep a positive attitude. It helps nothing to dwell on a loss, however big or small. But keeping a positive outlook will remind you to keep a look out for the other opportunities out there.
  4. Remember that the industry goes through seasons. Sometimes your look will be "in" sometimes it will be "out". Use the down times to work on your career. Update your portfolio. Network like crazy. Visit new agencies. Remember if you are a positive person. People will recognize that and want to work with you in the future.

So get used to it, rejection will be a daily part of what we deal with in the industry. Keep your head up and focus on what lay ahead. You never know who will call tomorrow. For example. One day I was about my daily business getting ready for work when I got a last minute call. I was wanted for a cover shoot. Someone couldn't make it to the shoot, so I was called as a last minute replacement. What you see below was the result of staying positive, networking, and making myself available.




So remember the irony. Even a girl afraid of rejection, can work in an industry full of it. And it only makes the victory that much sweeter. 


xoxo

Lady West