Working as a telemarketer can be a decent way to earn a living if you're good at sales, but handling rejections every day can become wearisome and discouraging. Some people become so overwhelmed by the rejections that they quit. It takes thick skin and a short memory to succeed at telemarketing. There are a number of techniques telemarketers use to help them overcome rejection and stay positive about their jobs.

Don't Take Things Personally

A key to overcoming rejection as a telemarketer is to never take the rejection personally. Keep in mind that they're not rejecting you -- they're rejecting the product. Some people just fear making a decision, and saying no is easier than taking the responsibility of saying yes. In just about every case, it has nothing to do with you. The only exceptions are when the rejection is based on how you present the information, or because you are acting unprofessional. In these situations, rather than taking personal offense, use the reason as an opportunity to learn and change your sales tactics.

Understand Why

Understanding why a prospective customer has said "no" to your telemarketing call can make dealing with rejection easier. It's useful to see rejection as a learning opportunity. If a person you are talking to says no outright, then gently ask him why instead of just hanging up. If you understand the "why," then you might be able to change your presentation and get a "yes" from the same person later.

Numbers Game

Rather than focusing on the rejection, turn your telemarketing work into a game. The more people you call, the more chances you have of finding customers who say yes. Every time you make a call, view it as a bet or a gamble. After the call is over, you'll know if you won or if you lost, but you might not view it as a rejection. Some people also need to be approached six or seven times before they'll say yes. If you quit after the fifth time you call a person, you'll miss the "yes" that is just around the corner. By viewing your work as a game based on numbers, or a puzzle to solve, you'll be less likely to feel overwhelmed by rejection and more likely to feel challenged by it.

Be Creative

Instead of viewing rejection as a negative, view it as an opportunity to be more creative. If you call someone and she says she doesn't have enough money, don't take this as a rejection. Gently persist by showing her how your product or service can improve her life or save her money. If the person you're calling seems suspicious, don't view this as rejection, either. Instead, creatively find a way to arouse the person's excitement so she will want to learn more. If someone is never available to talk, try to find times and ways you can make contact with her. Try calling before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. The key is to come up with creative solutions to problems so you don't view rejection as such a negative event.