Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz is a best-selling book that challenges traditional views on failure and success. Written in an engaging story format, it follows Eric Bratton, a copier salesman, as he navigates rejection and discovers its transformative power. This concise, 80-page book is not just for salespeople but for anyone facing rejection, offering practical lessons on embracing “No” as a stepping stone to success. Its unique philosophy and real-life applications make it a must-read for personal and professional growth.
1.1 Overview of the Book
Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz is a motivational guide that redefines failure and rejection as essential steps toward success. Written in a storytelling format, it follows Eric Bratton, a struggling salesman who learns to embrace rejection and transform his career. The book emphasizes the importance of persistence and intentional failure, offering practical strategies to overcome fear and achieve breakthroughs. Its unique blend of fiction and real-life lessons makes it accessible and engaging for readers from all walks of life.
The core message is simple yet profound: “Yes is the destination, but No is how you get there.” Through its concise and impactful approach, Go for No! empowers readers to view rejection as a stepping stone rather than a setback, making it a valuable resource for personal and professional growth. The book also includes a 30-Day Challenge to help readers apply its principles in real life, fostering courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
1.2 Authors: Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz
Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz are the dynamic co-authors of Go for No!, bringing their unique perspectives on success and rejection. Richard, known as the “Failure Philosopher,” draws from his personal struggles and sales career to inspire resilience. Andrea, a professional speaker and “Reject-ologist,” specializes in helping people overcome fear and embrace challenges. Together, they crafted a book that transcends traditional sales strategies, offering universal lessons on courage and growth. Their collaborative approach blends storytelling with practical advice, making their work accessible to entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and anyone facing rejection in life or business.
1.3 Target Audience: Beyond Salespeople
While Go for No! is often praised by sales professionals, its insights extend far beyond this group. The book resonates with entrepreneurs, network marketers, and anyone facing rejection in their personal or professional lives. Novelists seeking publishers, students navigating challenges, and individuals dealing with social media criticism find value in its message. The authors emphasize that overcoming rejection is a universal skill, making the book a powerful tool for anyone looking to build resilience and achieve their goals. Its broad appeal lies in its ability to transform fear of rejection into a catalyst for growth and success.
The Core Concept of “Go for No!”
Go for No! teaches embracing rejection as a pathway to success, highlighting the paradox that failure and success are interconnected. The NO-Quotient Personal Assessment helps individuals address their fear of rejection, fostering resilience and growth.
2.1 Embracing Rejection as a Path to Success
Go for No! emphasizes that rejection is not an obstacle but a necessary step toward success. The book teaches readers to view “no” as part of the journey rather than a final outcome. By intentionally seeking rejection, individuals can build resilience and refine their strategies. The authors argue that avoiding rejection stifles growth, while embracing it accelerates progress. The NO-Quotient Personal Assessment helps readers understand their relationship with rejection and failure, encouraging them to reframe these experiences as opportunities for improvement. This mindset shift allows people to take bold action, persist through challenges, and ultimately achieve their goals. The book’s central message is that success is often found on the other side of “no.”
2.2 The Paradox of Failure and Success
Go for No! reveals that failure and success are not opposites but intertwined parts of the same journey. The book challenges the conventional belief that success is the absence of failure, instead presenting failure as a necessary stepping stone. By embracing rejection and failure, individuals can accelerate their path to success. The authors argue that avoiding failure leads to stagnation, while actively seeking it fosters growth. This paradox is central to the book’s philosophy, encouraging readers to reframe their mindset and view setbacks as opportunities for improvement. The NO-Quotient Personal Assessment further helps individuals understand their relationship with failure, empowering them to embrace it as a catalyst for achievement.
2.3 The NO-Quotient Personal Assessment
The NO-Quotient Personal Assessment is a 20-question tool designed to measure an individual’s mindset toward failure and success. It helps identify how one perceives rejection and their willingness to embrace it as part of the journey to achievement. The assessment provides a final score, placing individuals on the NO-Quotient scale, which reflects their capacity to handle and learn from rejection. This practical tool is not limited to salespeople but is useful for anyone facing rejection, offering insights into personal growth and resilience. By understanding their NO-Quotient, readers can better align their actions with their goals, fostering a mindset that views failure as a stepping stone to success rather than an obstacle.
The Story Behind the Book
Go for No! is inspired by Richard Fenton’s life experiences and follows Eric Bratton, a struggling salesman who wakes up 10 years in the future, learning to embrace rejection as a path to success.
3.1 The Protagonist: Eric James Bratton
Eric James Bratton, the protagonist of Go for No!, is portrayed as a relatable yet underperforming copier salesman. His journey begins with a comfortable sales quota but takes a dramatic turn when he experiences a mysterious 10-year leap into the future. This transformation forces Eric to confront his past mistakes and reevaluate his approach to failure and rejection. Through his character, Fenton and Waltz illustrate how embracing rejection can lead to personal and professional growth. Eric’s relatable struggles make him a compelling figure, allowing readers to connect with his transformation from an average salesman to a confident individual who sees “No” as an opportunity rather than a setback.
3.2 The 10-Year Leap: A Journey Through Time
The 10-Year Leap is a pivotal plot device in Go for No!, where protagonist Eric Bratton wakes up 10 years older after a mysterious fall. This time shift reveals a dual reality: one where Eric continues his unambitious path and another where he embraces rejection and achieves success. The leap symbolizes the consequences of choices and the power of perseverance. Through this narrative, Fenton and Waltz illustrate how facing rejection can accelerate growth, encouraging readers to view “No” as a stepping stone rather than a setback. The 10-Year Leap serves as a metaphor for the transformative power of embracing failure and pursuing success with courage.
3.3 The Inspiration from Richard Fenton’s Life
Richard Fenton’s personal experiences deeply influenced the creation of Go for No!. His journey through rejection and perseverance shaped the book’s core message. Fenton faced numerous challenges in his career, which taught him to view failure as a stepping stone to success. The protagonist, Eric Bratton, reflects Fenton’s own struggles and eventual triumphs. By sharing his story, Fenton aimed to inspire others to embrace rejection and understand its role in personal and professional growth. His real-life lessons form the backbone of the book, making it relatable and impactful for readers from all walks of life.
The Methodology of “Go for No!”
The book introduces the 30-Day Go for No! Challenge, encouraging intentional failure to build resilience. It shifts focus from avoiding rejection to embracing it as a growth catalyst.
4.1 The Power of Intentional Failure
The concept of intentional failure is central to “Go for No!” It encourages individuals to actively seek rejection to accelerate success. By embracing failure, one builds resilience and learns to view “No” as a stepping stone. This approach challenges the conventional avoidance of failure, instead promoting it as a necessary part of growth. The authors argue that failure and success are intertwined, and avoiding one means missing out on the other. Intentional failure fosters a mindset shift, helping individuals overcome fear and take courageous action. This philosophy is particularly empowering for salespeople, entrepreneurs, and anyone facing rejection in their pursuits.
4.2 The 30-Day Go for No! Challenge
The 30-Day Go for No! Challenge is a structured program designed to help individuals embrace rejection and failure as catalysts for success. Participants are encouraged to intentionally seek out “No” responses over a 30-day period, documenting their experiences and insights. This approach helps break down the fear of rejection and builds resilience. By the end of the challenge, many report increased confidence, improved sales strategies, and a mindset shift toward viewing failure as a necessary step toward achievement. The challenge is practical, actionable, and empowers individuals to take consistent, courageous action in pursuit of their goals.
4.3 From Fear of Rejection to Courageous Action
The book emphasizes transforming fear of rejection into bold action by reframing perceptions of “No.” It teaches readers to view rejection not as a setback but as a natural step toward success. By embracing rejection, individuals build resilience and confidence, fostering a mindset geared toward persistent effort. The authors provide practical strategies to overcome hesitation, encouraging readers to take consistent action despite fear. This approach leads to increased persistence, improved sales techniques, and personal growth, ultimately helping individuals achieve their goals by turning fear into fuel for success.
Key Lessons from the Book
Go for No! teaches that rejection is a stepping stone to success, emphasizing the importance of persistence and expanding one’s comfort zone. It highlights how turning “No” into a positive experience can accelerate personal and professional growth, fostering resilience and confidence in the face of adversity.
5.1 The Comfort Zone: Expanding or Shrinking
Go for No! emphasizes that the comfort zone is never static—it either expands or shrinks. Avoiding rejection leads to a shrinking comfort zone, while embracing challenges expands it. The book highlights that success lies outside one’s comfort zone, encouraging readers to push boundaries and view rejection as a catalyst for growth. By intentionally facing “No,” individuals can build resilience and confidence, ultimately achieving greater personal and professional success. This concept challenges readers to reframe their mindset, understanding that comfort zones must be continually tested to avoid stagnation and unlock true potential.
5.2 The Role of Persistence in Success
Persistence is a cornerstone of success, as highlighted in Go for No!. The book underscores that success often lies beyond multiple rejections, emphasizing the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles. Through Eric Bratton’s journey, readers learn that persistence helps navigate rejection and stay focused on goals. By persisting, individuals build resilience and adaptability, essential for turning “No”s into opportunities. The authors illustrate that persistence isn’t just about enduring hardship but about leveraging each setback as a step toward success, making it a vital trait for achieving long-term goals in both personal and professional realms.
5.3 Turning “No” into a Stepping Stone
In Go for No!, the authors reveal how rejection can be a powerful catalyst for growth. By reframing “No” as a stepping stone rather than a setback, individuals can accelerate their journey to success. The book illustrates this through Eric Bratton’s story, where each “No” brings him closer to his ultimate “Yes.” This philosophy encourages readers to embrace rejection as a natural part of the process, using it to refine strategies and build resilience. The 30-Day Go for No! Challenge further reinforces this concept, helping individuals transform fear into action and turn every “No” into a lesson that propels them forward.
The Authors’ Philosophy
Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz advocate for embracing failure as a pathway to success. They believe rejection is inevitable but also transformative, fostering resilience and growth. Their philosophy, rooted in real-world experiences, emphasizes courageous action over fear, empowering individuals to view “No” as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle.
6.1 Richard Fenton: The Failure Philosopher
Richard Fenton is renowned as the “Failure Philosopher,” a title reflecting his unique perspective on rejection and setbacks. Drawing from his personal experiences, Fenton posits that failure is not an endpoint but a crucial step toward success. His philosophy, encapsulated in Go for No!, encourages individuals to embrace rejection as a catalyst for growth. Fenton’s approach emphasizes intentional failure as a means to accelerate learning and achieve breakthroughs. By reframing failure, he empowers individuals to overcome fear and take bold action, fostering resilience and determination. His teachings resonate across industries, making him a sought-after speaker and mentor. His insights have transformed lives and careers, proving failure’s profound value.
6.2 Andrea Waltz: The Reject-ologist
Andrea Waltz, co-author of Go for No!, is celebrated as the “Reject-ologist,” a term that underscores her expertise in turning rejection into opportunity. Her philosophy centers on the belief that “No” is not a final answer but a stepping stone toward success. Waltz’s approach encourages individuals to view rejection as a natural part of the journey, emphasizing persistence and courage. She advocates for embracing rejection as a means to refine strategies and build resilience. Waltz’s insights have empowered countless individuals across various professions, proving that rejection is not a barrier but a bridge to achieving goals. Her teachings, combined with Fenton’s, have created a transformative framework for personal and professional growth.
6.3 Their Approach to Courageous Breakthrough Performance
Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz champion a bold approach to achieving success through embracing rejection and failure. Their philosophy, centered around “Go for No!”, encourages individuals to view rejection not as a setback but as a necessary step toward success. By intentionally seeking out “No” experiences, individuals can build resilience, refine their strategies, and gain the courage to persist. This approach emphasizes that success and failure are intertwined, and avoiding one means missing out on the other. Their teachings inspire individuals to take fearless action, reframe rejection, and leverage it as a catalyst for growth, leading to transformative breakthroughs in both personal and professional realms.
Practical Applications of the Book
Go for No! offers actionable strategies for sales, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, teaching how to transform rejection into opportunity and accelerate success through intentional failure and persistence.
7.1 Sales Strategies: Closing Deals Faster
Go for No! revolutionizes sales strategies by encouraging salespeople to actively seek rejection. By embracing “No,” sales professionals can quickly identify uninterested prospects, allowing them to focus on serious leads. This approach accelerates the sales process, as it eliminates time wasted on hesitant or uncommitted clients. The book suggests that intentionally seeking rejection leads to more efficient deal closures. It also highlights the importance of persistence and viewing “No” as a natural step toward achieving “Yes.” This mindset shift enables salespeople to close deals faster by filtering out non-serious leads early, ultimately increasing overall sales success and productivity.
7.2 Entrepreneurship: Overcoming Rejection
Go for No! offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs, teaching them to view rejection as a natural part of growth. By embracing “No,” entrepreneurs can refine their pitches, identify gaps, and refine their offerings. The book encourages intentional failure as a means to accelerate success, emphasizing that every “No” brings them closer to a “Yes.” This mindset shift helps entrepreneurs persist through setbacks, fostering resilience and creativity. Practical strategies include seeking rejection to test ideas and adapt quickly. The book empowers entrepreneurs to reframe failure as a learning tool, enabling them to navigate challenges with confidence and innovate fearlessly, ultimately turning rejection into a catalyst for business success.
7.3 Personal Growth: Embracing “No” in Daily Life
Go for No! extends its lessons beyond professional realms, offering a powerful framework for personal growth. By embracing rejection, individuals can expand their comfort zones and develop resilience. The book illustrates how “No” often paves the way for growth, whether in relationships, self-improvement, or pursuing passions. A key takeaway is that rejection is not a reflection of personal worth but an opportunity to learn and adapt. For example, the story of a father overcoming his fear of rejection to connect with his child highlights how these principles can transform daily interactions. This mindset shift empowers individuals to view “No” as a stepping stone, fostering confidence and lifelong personal development.
The Book’s Unique Style
Go for No! stands out with its engaging storytelling, blending fiction and real-life lessons. Its concise, easily digestible format makes it a quick yet impactful read, enhancing its motivational value.
8.1 Storytelling as a Teaching Tool
Go for No! masterfully uses storytelling to convey its message. Through the journey of protagonist Eric Bratton, the authors illustrate how embracing rejection leads to success. This narrative approach makes complex concepts relatable and easier to digest, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the lessons. The story’s engaging format helps readers visualize the transformation from fear of rejection to courageous action. By embedding the teachings within a fictional account, Fenton and Waltz create a memorable and impactful learning experience, ensuring the book’s principles stay with readers long after they finish reading.
8.2 The Blend of Fiction and Real-Life Lessons
Go for No! seamlessly blends fiction with real-life lessons, creating an engaging and relatable narrative. The story of Eric Bratton, a struggling salesman, serves as a vessel to deliver practical advice on overcoming rejection. Inspired by Richard Fenton’s personal experiences, the book bridges the gap between storytelling and actionable insights. This unique approach allows readers to connect emotionally with the protagonist while gaining valuable strategies for handling “No” in their own lives. The blend of fiction and real-life applications makes the book accessible to a wide audience, from sales professionals to entrepreneurs and individuals seeking personal growth. Its concise and readable format enhances the learning experience, ensuring the lessons resonate long after the story ends.
8.3 The Brevity and Readability of the Book
Go for No! is praised for its brevity and readability, making it a quick yet impactful read. At just 80 pages, the book delivers its message concisely, ensuring readers can easily digest the content in a short time. The authors use simple, clear language, avoiding overly complex theories or jargon. This approachability makes the book accessible to a broad audience, from sales professionals to individuals seeking personal growth. The story format further enhances readability, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the narrative while absorbing the practical lessons. The concise structure ensures that key concepts are presented clearly, making it easy for readers to revisit and apply the principles in their daily lives. This brevity and clarity are key to the book’s enduring popularity and effectiveness.
Reception and Reviews
Go for No! has received widespread acclaim, with a 4.7-star Amazon rating and over 5,000 reviews. Readers praise its readability, motivational value, and practical applications, making it a beloved resource for personal and professional growth.
9.1 Amazon Ratings and Customer Feedback
Go for No! boasts an impressive 4.7-star rating on Amazon, with over 5,280 reviews. Readers consistently praise its readability, motivational value, and practical applications. Many highlight its ability to shift perspectives on rejection, with one reader noting it as a “must-read for anyone in sales or facing rejection.” Customers appreciate its concise, story-driven approach, making it accessible and impactful. The book’s focus on turning “No” into a stepping stone resonates widely, with testimonials from entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and individuals seeking personal growth. Its high ratings reflect its transformative potential, making it a beloved resource for overcoming fear and achieving success.
9.2 Testimonials from Readers
Readers of Go for No! share powerful testimonials about its impact. One reader described it as “life-changing,” revealing how it transformed their fear of rejection into confidence. A sales professional noted that the book’s strategies significantly increased their sales by embracing “No” as a motivator. Another reader highlighted its universal appeal, stating it’s not just for salespeople but for anyone facing rejection, from entrepreneurs to those seeking personal relationships. Many praised its concise and engaging format, with one reader urging others to “read it and apply the lessons immediately.” The testimonials underscore the book’s ability to inspire courage and resilience, making it a cherished resource for personal and professional growth.
9.4 The Book’s Impact on Various Professions
Go for No! has made a profound impact across diverse professions. Sales professionals praise its strategies for closing deals faster and overcoming rejection. Entrepreneurs credit it with building courage to pursue ventures despite setbacks. Network marketers and students seeking publishers also benefit, as the book teaches resilience. Even in personal relationships, readers apply its lessons to handle rejection confidently. The book’s universal message transcends sales, empowering anyone facing “No” to embrace it as a growth opportunity. Its brevity and readability make it accessible to busy professionals, ensuring its principles are widely adopted and impactful across industries and personal lives alike. Its influence extends beyond business, fostering a mindset shift in how people perceive and respond to rejection.
Go for No! leaves a lasting legacy by reframing rejection as a catalyst for success. Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz encourage readers to embrace “No” courageously, fostering growth and resilience in both personal and professional lives. The book’s timeless lessons inspire individuals to pursue their goals fearlessly, ensuring its impact endures for years to come.
10.1 The Lasting Legacy of “Go for No!”
Go for No! has left an indelible mark on personal development and sales strategies. Its unique approach to rejection has empowered countless individuals, transforming their mindset from fear to embrace of “No”. The book’s storytelling format and practical lessons have made it accessible to a wide audience, transcending sales to touch entrepreneurs, artists, and anyone facing rejection. Readers have reported significant shifts in their professional and personal lives, attributing their success to the book’s teachings. The legacy of Go for No! lies in its ability to redefine failure and success, offering a roadmap to courage and resilience that continues to inspire new generations.
10.2 Encouragement to Apply the Concepts
The authors of Go for No! urge readers to embrace the book’s principles in their daily lives. By intentionally seeking rejection and viewing it as a stepping stone, individuals can accelerate their success. The 30-Day Go for No! Challenge and the NO-Quotient Personal Assessment provide practical tools to apply these concepts. Readers are encouraged to shift their mindset, understanding that “No” is not a setback but a necessary part of the journey. The book’s motivational lessons inspire persistence, courage, and resilience, empowering individuals to take action and transform their lives. Applying these ideas consistently can lead to profound personal and professional growth, as shared by countless testimonials from readers who have experienced transformative results.
10.3 The Authors’ Vision for the Future
Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz envision a future where individuals and organizations embrace rejection as a catalyst for growth. They aim to inspire a global shift in mindset, helping people understand that “No” is not a dead end but a stepping stone to success. Their vision extends beyond sales, targeting entrepreneurs, educators, and anyone facing rejection. By sharing their philosophy through books, speaking engagements, and new resources, they hope to empower millions to overcome fear and achieve their goals. Their ultimate goal is to create a world where rejection is seen as a natural part of the journey to success, leading to greater resilience and fulfillment.