A Small Homestead

Welcome to my blog about our adventures on and away from our modest family homestead. We are a young family trying to raise as much of our own food as possible and still enjoy life while holding down full time jobs and work two small home based businesses. Life can get hectic and challenging but at the end of the day we have most importantly each other, good food on our table and a roof over our heads.

Monday, August 06, 2012

Don't Take It Personally!!!

A bit off topic again today but it's something that's been on my mind for months.....

In March I started a home based business selling high quality spices.  I chose to start selling the products so I could supply myself with them as needed and also to share them with my family and friends.  I was very excited to find such products since at the time I was having problems with my health.  I had high blood pressure.  I am proud to say I do not currently have high blood pressure and one of the ways I lowered it is to cut the salt from my cooking using these spices to add flavour to my cooking instead of salt.  So, it makes it something I am very passionate about.

When you have a home based business people perceive you as someone who is out to get their buck, or at least that's how I have felt at times in the past.  We forget that this may be something this person is genuinely passionate about.  I personally have a job that gives me a nice pay cheque.  Trying to sell products "door to door" so to speak is a very tough business.  People find it easier to "shut the door" and just say no.  We are all so busy that we don't want to have to think about something else.  For me, this company has turned out to be a blessing.  And I am glad the hostess invited me to her party, it may have very well saved my health, if not my life!

Everyone has their own interests.  Some people don't care if they are consuming large amounts of sodium, fillers and MSG.  There probably was a time I never thought about it.  But when you're faced with your own health scare you realize it's time to make a change.  And when given a simple solution to make what I'm serving my family healthier I am going to jump at it.  We work hard to raise our own food so we know what we are eating, why coat that food with a sauce or spice blend loaded with stuff we can't even pronounce!  I haven't used a commercial bbq sauce since I started using these spices.  My belly can't handle commercial bbq sauces any more, if I eat it I am in pain.

Where I get frustrated is the "shut door" part of working the business.  I am trying very hard to teach myself NOT to take it personally.  Reading our company magazine they had interviewed another consultant who is struggling with the same issue.  Every time I get "rejected" I feel they are rejecting me.  I have to remind myself they are not rejecting ME.  It may not be a good time for them to try something new, maybe they just like "salt and pepper" on their food, maybe they are loyal to another spice supplier.......So, every time I get that sinking pit in my belly I have to tell myself this "it is not personal, they are not rejecting you as a person".

Because I am so passionate about the product as far as the health benefits it has provided for me and my family I feel bad that I'm not given the opportunity to share that with others.  Gluten seems to be such an issue these days, this company supplies many yummy gluten free spice blends.  I have all this knowledge bottled up inside me, I need to share it!  I love to cook, I love talking about food, I love helping others find delicious new meal ideas for their family.

I am passionate about what I am selling, it's not all about the almighty dollar.  I just need to remember to hold my head high when someone says "no thanks"! And also remember "don't take it personally" !!!


'til next time!

I have since discussed this with several other consultants and thought this person had a very good way of putting it into perspective:


“ Think of it this way.....if you offer someone a piece of gum, and they say, "no"....they are NOT rejecting you...they are simply saying, "no thank you" to the gum offer. So don't take it personal... AND...over the years, I have learned, "its not about you", its about "them". Once you adopt that theory, you won't take it personal anymore. I used to feel sad and rejected when someone asked to be taken off my mailing list, it actually hurt !! LOL Now, I just simply delete them and move on, and it doesn’t faze me a bit. Hugs to you, it will get easier. ;) Have a wonderful day...”

I am not posting this to make people pity me and feel they have to buy product from me!  Hopefully this post will help someone else realize that rejection is not a direct reflection on them as a person, you just don't have what that other person needs right now.  Talking about things is important, I feel much better.  And it doesn't hurt to point out that the person on the other end of the phone line or email really does have feelings, so take it easy on them.   :)

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