5 Tips for Escaping the Comfort Zone of Fear

Steve wrote to me recently and said that making prospecting calls was his biggest problem. He said, “The phone is heavy and my car door handle weighs almost more than I can lift.”

He continued, “Okay, I’m having a little bit of fun with my opinion, but there is truth in humor. Unfortunately, there is ‘danger in the comfort zone.’”

I wholeheartedly agree with Steve. There is danger in the comfort zone we let ourselves establish when we let fear take over. So, to kick start your week, I have five questions for those of you hanging out in the “comfort zone of fear.” These questions can help you get outside the nest and start having success – on the phone and in person.

1. Are you scared you’ll forget your lines? If you’ve ever given a speech or made a presentation, you know that memorization really doesn’t work. It’s very tough to rehearse a script and sound convincing without lots of talent or training. I think training on the product – knowing how it helps your prospect is much more effective than training for the stage like an actor.
2. Are you scared you’ll get a reaming from your prospect? You may come across a few rude people, but most people will be polite and tell you they’re not interested or actually be interested. Remember, they are JUST people – not scorpions.
3. Are you scared of how you sound on the phone? Does your voice shake? Do you have a thick accent? These are things you can fix. Record and listen. Record and listen. Video and watch. Video and watch. You can do all of this with a simple tape recorder and inexpensive video recorder. Check out the Buckshot section of Professional Inviter.
4. Are you afraid you won’t know what to ask? If you’re scared of forgetting steps in the Inviting Formula, then you need more training. I recommend you spend the time getting the steps committed to memory. Listen to the example calls on Professional Inviter until you are rock-solid on the formula. And don’t forget to make yourself a cheat sheet with the steps if you need it.
5. Are you afraid of making the first move? If you are afraid of making the first move in a conversation, you may want to practice on non-prospects first. Check out our recent interview with self-described introvert Rachel Embry. She has some great tips on how to start conversations with strangers in a totally relaxed manner that helps you build up to starting conversations anywhere.