In a recent LinkedIn post, entrepreneur and investor Simon Squibb shared a foundational business lesson derived from his early entrepreneurial experiences. Squibb highlights how a seemingly simple, yet profound, encounter at the age of 15 taught him a critical principle about persistence and the nature of customer acquisition.
Squibb recounts his first foray into business, knocking on doors to offer garden services. The results were stark: out of approximately 100 doors, 89 individuals declined his offer. However, the crucial takeaway came from the 11 who said yes.
“At 15 I knocked on about 100 doors asking people if I could sort their garden out. 89 said no. 11 said yes. That was enough to eat that week, and honestly it’s still the best lesson in business I’ve ever had.”
This experience, Squibb argues, underscores a fundamental truth in business: the necessity of finding the right audience, rather than universal approval. He points out that many aspiring entrepreneurs falter when faced with rejection, often interpreting a ‘no’ as a definitive judgment on their idea’s viability.
The Fallacy of Universal Approval
Squibb challenges the common misconception that business success hinges on convincing everyone. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of identifying and securing the support of a core group of believers.
“You don’t need everyone to say yes. You need the 11,” Squibb states, illustrating that a small, committed base can be sufficient to launch and sustain a venture. This perspective reframes rejection not as a dead end, but as a filtering mechanism.
“Most people stop at door 12 because they decide a no means their idea is rubbish. Usually it just means not today, or not me.”
According to Squibb, the key is to differentiate between a rejection of the idea and a rejection of the individual or the timing. Many ‘no’ responses, he suggests, are conditional and do not represent a permanent dismissal.
Persistence as a Strategy
The core message of Squibb’s post is a call for unwavering persistence. He encourages individuals to view each ‘no’ not as a final verdict, but as a step closer to the necessary ‘yeses’.
Understanding the Nuance of Rejection
Squibb’s insights suggest that entrepreneurs should develop resilience and a strategic approach to feedback. Instead of being discouraged by initial setbacks, they should focus on refining their approach and continuing their outreach.
“Keep knocking.”
This simple, yet powerful, concluding remark serves as a mantra for anyone facing obstacles in their business endeavors. Squibb’s reflection from his teenage years offers a timeless reminder that determination and the ability to persevere through rejection are often the most critical ingredients for entrepreneurial success.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Simon Squibb on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on October 1, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →