What One Rejection Taught Me: Turning Setbacks Into Breakthroughs

Hi there,

I still remember the meeting like it was yesterday.

I was pitching one of my first invention ideas to a buyer. I had my prototype, my notes, my nerves — everything.

And then I heard it:
“No thanks. We’ve seen something like this before.”

That hit me like a brick.

But after the meeting, I didn’t just walk away empty-handed. I asked if they’d be willing to give me feedback.
What I got back was gold:

That changed everything.

I realized I had been too focused on what the product was — and not enough on why it mattered. From that point on, every pitch I made started with the problem I was solving. That one lesson has stuck with me ever since.

If you’re working on your own invention, here’s what I want you to take from this:

I’m here to help you do just that.

—
Need support with your invention journey?
Here are some ways we can work together:

• Explore invention coaching and services:
  https://brianfried.com/invention-help

• Join the Inventor Smart Community:
  https://app.inventorsmart.com

• Get quick feedback in the Inventor Forum:
  https://discuss.inventorsmart.com

Inventively yours,
Brian Fried
The Inventor Coach
www.brianfried.com

P.S. Here’s a post you might want to check out:
Are You Sitting on a Million-Dollar Idea? How to Evaluate If Your Invention Has Real Market Potential
And keep an eye out for the May 26 newsletter — we’ll cover “The 3 Mistakes First-Time Inventors Make When Prototyping.” It’s worth your time.

If you found this helpful, subscribe to Brian’s Invention Playbook newsletter — a must-read resource for inventors and innovators who want expert guidance on turning ideas into successful products. Join the community and get practical insights delivered straight to your inbox: https://inventionplaybook.com/subscribe