What a New York Unicorn Hunt Taught Me about Disappointment in Business

Our recent trip to New York was a meticulously planned gritty, beautiful and amazing whirlwind. My daughter Evie had her heart set on one particular treasure: a Jellycat unicorn from FAO Schwarz. If you have an 11 year old, you'll understand the obsession with these adorable, fluffy toys.So we get to FAO Schwarz and it was packed. No unicorn in sight. Evie was disappointed and she settled for an avocado Jellycat instead. But let’s face it, she really wanted that unicorn.24 hours later, two girls walked past holding the exact unicorn Evie wanted. Her eyes lit up. Her dream was still alive! We all get disappointed in business don’t we?   It's not what we do with that disappointment, it's how we bounce back.In sales,  you don't always get to the yes straight away. Sometimes you get silence, sometimes you get a hard no. But with curiosity, with better questions, with persistence, with follow-up, things can shift.  Sometimes really really quickly.So if you're lacking a few unicorns lately—whether in sales or broader business objectives—maybe it’s time to regroup. Gather your team, get curious and keep your sights set on that goal. You never know what can happen in 24 hours.What's your unicorn? And more importantly, what's your plan to get it?Emma McQueen:Thriving Women 2026 WaitlistWebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/