ASK PASTOR MAC: Resistance or Rejection?

Q: Dear Pastor Mac:

In one of your seminars you taught us the difference between resistance and rejection. I thought I had it until I tried to explain it to someone else. Could you tell me again, what is the difference between resistance and rejection?

A: First of all, I’m glad that you’ve been sharing your knowledge with others. The best way to learn something well is to teach it. So, thanks for your question. You are making me a better learner.

Resistance vs. Rejection: In order to survive in the 21^st century, it is necessary to develop an economic immune system called initial sales resistance. This is an automatic response that screens sales presentations in general to quiet the many voices screaming, “Buy me!”

     It is estimated that we are bombarded with 3,000 ads a day! If you don’t believe it, consider the following list (feel free to add to it):

1. TV and radio commercials.
2. Junk mail you receive through snail mail and email.
3. Telemarketers.
4. Newspaper and magazine ads.
5. Roadside billboards and church signs.
6. Junk food at eye level in the grocery check out line.
7. Pop-ups and other various links on web pages.

      In this sales soaked society, lack of resistance will keep you broke no matter how much you make. Salespeople must understand this initial cold shoulder is not personal. People have not yet rejected you or your product, they are simply exercising a survival instinct. Prayer, patience and a pleasant smile will overcome this challenge in many cases.

     Remember: Resistance does not become rejection until information has been shared. Even then, it still might not be rejection. In the next NO FEAR, we’ll look at the distinction between objections and rejection.