Bouncing back from a "No"
Rejection? It's been a close companion these past weeks. A series of missed opportunities added up, with a rather daunting price tag of nearly €97k. Ouch, right? How to turn rejection into action.
Rejection? It's been a close companion these past weeks. A series of missed opportunities added up, with a rather daunting price tag of nearly €97k. Ouch, right? Yet, believe it or not, that number could've been even heftier. Why? For the last six months, I've poured my heart into IMMA. Along the way, I consciously turned down offers that didn't resonate with my values and vision.
I'd like to share six tips that helped me on my journey to meaningful gigs—practices that mirror long-term success. I'll delve into short-term strategies in a future newsletter. 😊
1. Being Focused: Which strategies have the highest chance of landing me a gig? Achieving focus, clarity, and consistency is tougher than one might think, especially when curiosity and enthusiasm pull in various directions.
2. Engaging with Dream Clients: I've identified 10 companies that I deeply admire. I follow them, sign up for their newsletters, and network through LinkedIn and shared connections. While job alerts might not be tailored for freelancers, they're still on my radar as I gradually cultivate relationships with these organisations.
3. Trust-building, Not Cold-Calling: Direct outreach? It's not for me. I prioritize building genuine connections. I regularly connect with new people on LinkedIn and try to nurture these relations. People buy from those they trust and like, and that trust isn’t established with just one email.
4. Nurturing Bonds: I view professional connections like a garden 🌿 - they require consistent care and attention. I check in, share content they might find interesting, and genuinely engage with them.
5. Passing It On: Sharing potential job opportunities and forging new connections are activities I truly enjoy. If a potential match comes to mind, I'm eager to make an introduction! 💌
6. Being Patient & Positive: Finding projects that resonate with my values is challenging. To navigate financial concerns, I've assessed my financial runway and prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Dwelling on fears can consume a lot of mental energy, so I jot down my anxieties and turn them into actionable steps.
I hope these insights offer a spark of encouragement. Setbacks and “no's” are part of the journey. They help us grow and adapt, reminding us that rejection often leads to better paths.
Sending you support and positive vibes. ✨
P.S. If you're in the mood for some introspection and intention-setting, consider joining our upcoming Sense & Respond session at IMMA.
The shortcut
Not sure how to respond when you get a rejection for a proposal? Here is a simple template you can adapt:
Hi [Client's Name],
Thank you for your response and for considering me for [Project Name]. I truly value the opportunity to have been part of the selection process.
While I was excited to work with you on this occasion, I respect your decision and am encouraged by the possibility of a future collaboration.
If you can spare a moment, I'd love to hear any feedback on my proposal. Knowing more about the factors that guided your choice will be helpful for my growth and future endeavours. Your insights, even if brief, would be very much appreciated.
Wishing you all the best with your upcoming projects and success with the chosen [freelancer/team/vendor]. I look forward to the possibility of working together in the future.
Very best wishes, [Your Name]
Interesting opportunities for you
I've been hand-picking 27 opportunities from job boards, Slack channels and Linkedin to save you some time. This time there were surprisingly many research gigs, not sure why 🤷♀️:
Research
Research Consultant - Carbon capture company
Junior researcher & designer - NGO Food for Climate League
Research Project Lead - Lived Experience
Researcher - Youth Endowment Fund
Design researcher - Wikimedia Deutschland
Senior User Researcher - UK Public Sector
Behavioural researcher & strategist - The Appleseed
Learning & Facilitation
Service Designers & Facilitators - Young Women’s Trust's
Course Designer - Avagam, a social innovation consultancy in India
Learning Science Specialist - Khan Academy
Leadership Development Coach - Power My Learning
Innovation, Design & more strategic roles
Product Designer - Blackbullion, Financial wellbeing
Graphic Designer - Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees
Business Innovation Strategist - Orchestras Live
Donor Mapping Consultant - FRIDA | The Young Feminist Fund
Evaluation & Impact Consultant - GLITCH
Communication
Social Media Manager - RNID - MarComms projects
Digital Engagement Consultant - Global Cooksafe Coalition
Communications Consultant - Nobel Women’s Initiative
Digital Communications Officer - Together For Girls
Senior Writer - Good Good Good
Sustainable transport campaign & research manager - Possible
Communications Specialist (UX/UI Designer) - UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Technical roles
Solutions Lead Consultant - Kaluza Flex
Full Stack Web Developer - Syria Justice and Accountability Centre
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Consultant - Minespider
👉 Since launching this newsletter in April, I've hand-picked over 150 freelance opportunities exclusively within organisations dedicated to climate and social change. If you've applied or secured a project through one, please reply and let me know. 🌎
🫶 Thank you, Sarah and Serena, for sharing opportunities ♥️ If you found an exciting opportunity and want to share it with the community, click here.
What's happening at IMMA?
🎬 A sneak peek at what's happening behind the scenes:
Exciting news! We're moving to Substack, letting you revisit old newsletters and jump into conversations. Look out for an email titled “Impactful Insights by IMMA Collective”.
Thanks to everyone shaping IMMA's pilot membership with their insights and time. 🫶 You will see some progress over the following weeks.
Want to expand your network in the climate and social impact space? Join our monthly Meaningful Networking session on the 22nd of August.
Catch me in your inbox again on August 25th. 👋
Take care, and hey, if you liked this newsletter, why not share it with someone?
Talk soon,
Lilli