John Paul DeJoria: From door-to-door salesman to billionaire entrepreneur, embracing rejection paved his way to success. |
John Paul DeJoria, the billionaire co-founder of Paul Mitchell hair products and Patrón Spirits, believes that mastering the art of dealing with rejection is crucial for success. In a recent interview, DeJoria shared his top advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: "Be ready for a lot of rejection. If you're prepared for it, it's not going to hurt you."
Before amassing a net worth of $3 billion, DeJoria faced his own share of rejections. He worked challenging sales jobs, selling products like encyclopedias and shampoo door-to-door while living out of his car. These experiences taught him how to handle rejection without being discouraged, a skill that became invaluable when he co-founded Paul Mitchell in 1980.
Despite initial setbacks, including losing their main investor and starting with just $700, Paul Mitchell eventually reached $100 million in annual sales. This success enabled DeJoria to co-found Patrón in 1989, where he faced further rejection due to his lack of experience in the spirits industry. However, his belief in the quality of his product kept him going, and in 2018, Patrón was acquired by Bacardi Limited for $5.1 billion.
DeJoria emphasizes that rejection is inevitable in both personal and professional life, and how you respond to it can determine your long-term success. By viewing failure as a learning opportunity, you can build resilience and continue pursuing your goals, even in the face of doubt.
"Just don’t give up," DeJoria advises. "Keep knocking on doors until people listen to you. It’s just a matter of time."
Tags: #JohnPaulDeJoria #Entrepreneurship #SuccessTips #OvercomingRejection #PaulMitchell #PatrónSpirits
0 Comments