How to Handle Networking Rejection: Scripts That Work

You sent 5 thoughtful DMs this week.

Four ignored. One said “not interested.” Zero responses.

You’re sitting there thinking: “Did I say something wrong? Are they avoiding me? Should I follow up again or is that annoying?”

Here’s what nobody tells you about networking: rejection is the default, not the exception. Most people are overwhelmed, distracted, or just not in the market for what you’re offering right now. That ignored DM? Probably not personal. That “no thanks”? Usually about timing, not you.

The difference between networkers who quit at Week 6 and networkers who succeed by Month 6 isn’t talent or charisma. It’s knowing how to handle rejection without taking it personally or burning bridges.

Let me show you the exact scripts and rules that keep you moving forward when “no” feels discouraging.

Why “No” Happens (And Why It’s Rarely About You)

Before you spiral into “they hate me” territory, let’s talk about the real reasons people don’t respond in networking.

Reason 1: Timing - They’re slammed this month. Client crisis. Family emergency. End-of-quarter chaos. Your DM arrived on the worst possible Tuesday.

Reason 2: Bandwidth - Their inbox has 47 unread messages. Yours got buried. They meant to respond. They forgot. It happens.

Reason 3: Wrong Fit - Your offer doesn’t match their need right now. Not because you’re bad at what you do - just not what they’re looking for at this moment.

Reason 4: They Genuinely Forgot - No malice. No judgment. Just human forgetfulness in a world of information overload.

Rarely Personal - They don’t hate you. They don’t think you’re incompetent. They barely know you yet. Don’t build a narrative where none exists.

David Park

Insurance Advisor

Park Insurance Solutions

Langley, BC

Week 5, David sent DMs to three members offering to review their business insurance coverage. All ignored. He panicked: "Did I come off too salesy? Are they avoiding me now?"

Week 6, one of them posted a video: "Dealing with family emergency this month, sorry I've been quiet." Another posted about end-of-quarter chaos. The third? Never explained, just busy.

David realized it wasn't about him. He followed up 3 weeks later with a no-pressure check-in. Two responded. One became a client 8 weeks later. Timing, not rejection.

Fictional character for illustrative purposes

The rule: Assume good intent until proven otherwise. Most “no’s” are situational, not judgmental.

“Rejection in networking is rarely about you. It’s about timing, fit, and the 47 other things demanding their attention right now.”

The “3 No’s = Move On” Rule

You don’t want to be annoying. But you also don’t want to give up after one ignored message (timing could have been bad).

Here’s the balance: Three attempts, then gracefully move on.

Attempt 1: Initial Outreach

Your first DM or comment. Keep it:

• Specific - Reference something from their video or profile
• Value-first - Offer help, resource, or insight before asking anything
• Short - 3-4 sentences max
• Low-pressure - No “let’s schedule a call” on first touch

Example: “Hey [Name], loved your video about [specific thing]. I work with [type of clients] who often need [their service]. If you’re ever looking for referrals in that space, happy to connect.”

Wait 7 days. If no response, move to Attempt 2.

Attempt 2: Follow-Up (Different Channel)

One week later, try a different approach:

• If first attempt was DM, try comment on their video
• If first was comment, try DM
• Add new value (article, resource, introduction)

Example: “Hey [Name], following up on my DM last week - no pressure if you’re swamped! Just came across [resource] and thought of your work with [niche]. Figured I’d share.”

Wait 7 more days. If still no response, move to Attempt 3.

Attempt 3: Final Touch (Graceful Exit Option)

Two weeks after initial outreach, give them an easy out:

Example: “Hey [Name], I know you’re busy - should I close your file or is this just bad timing? No worries either way, happy to circle back in future if now’s not right.”

This does three things:

1. Shows respect for their time (not pushy)
2. Gives permission to say no (reduces guilt)
3. Leaves door open for later (relationship preserved)

After 3: Move On (No Passive-Aggressive Comments)

If three attempts get zero response, let it go.

Don’t:

• Comment on their videos with subtle digs
• Stop engaging entirely and ghost them back
• Complain about them to other members
• Send “just checking in again!” messages every month

Do:

• Shift your energy to people who ARE engaging
• Stay cordial if you interact later (no grudges)
• Revisit in 6 months if circumstances change

Linda Morales

Mortgage Broker

Morales Home Loans

Richmond, BC

Linda reached out to a realtor in the group three times over two weeks. No response. She almost sent a fourth message ("Did I offend you somehow?") but caught herself. "Three attempts is enough. Move on."

Six months later, that realtor's circumstances changed. They were expanding their buyer services and needed reliable mortgage broker partnerships. They DM'd Linda: "Sorry I went dark last year - family stuff. Still open to connecting?"

Because Linda moved on gracefully (no grudge, no passive-aggressive comments), the door stayed open. They're now her top referral source. Patience paid off.

Fictional character for illustrative purposes

Why 3 and not 5 or 10? Because your energy is finite. Chase people who aren’t responding, you’ll burn out before you find the people who ARE interested.

“Three attempts says you’re professional and persistent. Four attempts says you’re desperate. Know the difference.”

The 80/20 Rule of Networking (Focus Your Energy)

Here’s the reality most networking advice won’t tell you: 80% of people won’t engage deeply. That’s normal.

They’ll:

• Watch your videos passively
• React with thumbs up occasionally
• Never DM or initiate conversation
• Refer zero clients

That’s not failure. That’s human nature.

The other 20%? They’ll:

• Comment thoughtfully on your content
• DM with questions and collaboration ideas
• Refer clients when fit is right
• Build real relationships over time

Emma Thompson

Real Estate Agent

Thompson Realty Group

Burnaby, BC

Emma's group had 15 members. Month 3, she did the math: 10 members barely engaged with her content (passive watchers). 5 members consistently commented, DM'd, and collaborated.

She stopped chasing the 10. She doubled down on the 5. Coffee with Linda (mortgage broker). Weekly DM check-ins with Miguel (contractor). Shared resources with Sarah (marketing consultant).

By month 9, those 5 relationships generated 90% of her network revenue. The other 10? Still passive. Still fine. Just not her focus.

Fictional character for illustrative purposes

The math: In a group of 10-30, expect 3-6 meaningful relationships. Stop trying to engage everyone and focus on the people who reciprocate.

Action step: This week, identify your “Engaged 10” (people who consistently watch, comment, DM). Spend 80% of your networking time deepening those relationships. Spend 20% exploring new connections.

Rejection as Data (Not Personal Attack)

When someone says no - or ignores you - they’re giving you information. Use it.

Pattern 1: Everyone Rejects the Same Ask

Example: You DM 10 people offering free consultations. Zero takers.

Data point: The ask is poorly worded, not valuable enough, or wrong audience.

Fix: Rewrite the offer. “Free consultation” is vague. Try “15-minute mortgage pre-approval roadmap call” (specific, valuable, time-limited).

Pattern 2: Specific Type of Person Rejects

Example: Accountants respond well to your outreach. Lawyers never do.

Data point: Wrong target audience. Lawyers need different value proposition than accountants.

Fix: Adjust messaging for lawyers. What do THEY need that’s different?

Pattern 3: Timing-Based Rejection

Example: Someone says “not now, maybe Q2” three times in a row.

Data point: They’re genuinely interested but timing’s wrong. Not a hard no.

Fix: Set calendar reminder for Q2, follow up with “You mentioned Q2 might work better - is now good?”

Tom Marino

Accountant (CPA)

Marino & Associates Accounting

Coquitlam, BC

Tom offered "free tax consultations" to 8 group members. Zero responses. He almost gave up: "Nobody wants my help."

Then he reframed: "What if the offer's wrong?" He changed it to "15-minute tax efficiency review - I'll watch your last video, spot 2-3 deductions you're missing, send you a summary." Specific. Valuable. Low commitment.

Next 8 outreach attempts: 5 responses. 3 became clients. Same audience. Different framing. Rejection taught him the lesson.

Fictional character for illustrative purposes

The rule: One rejection = bad luck. Pattern of rejections = signal to adjust strategy.

Professional Rejection Response Scripts (Copy These)

Scenario 1: They Ignored Your DM (After 3 Attempts)

Script: “Hey [Name], no worries if this isn’t the right fit right now - I know you’re busy! Happy to reconnect down the road if circumstances change. In meantime, rooting for your success with [their business]!”

Why it works:

• Releases them from guilt
• Leaves door open for future
• Shows maturity and professionalism

Scenario 2: They Say “Not Now”

Script: “Totally understand - timing matters! I’ll check back in [timeframe they mentioned, or Q2 if vague]. In meantime, if you need anything related to [your expertise], just shout. Happy to help even if we’re not working together yet.”

Why it works:

• Respects their timeline
• Positions you as helpful (not just transactional)
• Sets clear follow-up expectation

Scenario 3: They Say “Not Interested”

Script: “Thanks for letting me know! I appreciate the honesty - saves us both time. Quick question: is there someone else in your network you’d recommend I connect with who might be a better fit?”

Why it works:

• Thanks them for clarity (reduces awkwardness)
• Asks for referral (turns no into potential yes elsewhere)
• Keeps relationship positive

Scenario 4: They Ghost After Initial Interest

Script (Attempt 3): “Hey [Name], I know things get busy. Should I assume this isn’t priority right now and circle back in a few months? No worries either way - just want to respect your time.”

Why it works:

• Gives them easy out without judgment
• Offers graceful exit or re-engagement option
• Doesn’t burn bridge

Ready to Network Where Rejection Doesn’t Derail You?

We built Rhythm of Business because we know rejection stings - especially when you’re trying to build genuine relationships.

So we created a system that reduces rejection friction:

• Behavioral clustering matches you with reciprocators (not passive lurkers)
• Industry exclusivity removes competition fear (nobody ignores you because they’re worried you’ll steal clients)
• Video-first format lets you engage at your pace (no pressure to respond instantly)

You’ll still face some rejection. But you’ll face it in an environment designed for engagement - where 80% passive isn’t the norm, it’s the exception.

Related Reading

• How to Turn Video Viewers into Real Conversations - Starting conversations that might lead to “no” responses
• The Follow-Up Formula: Turn Referrals into Paying Clients - Persistence without being annoying
• How to Handle 7 Difficult Networking Situations - Scripts for awkward moments beyond rejection