Influence & Negotiating

17 Jun Overcoming Phone Phobia

Written by: Scott Dinsmore

Average Reading Time: 3.5 minutes

Have you ever been scared to approach someone? Maybe a prospect or even an interesting looking man or woman? We all have. Even if it's only an email we need to write, let alone a phone call or an in-person approach, we often put off contacting new and important people until the last minute possible, if ever. I call this Phone Phobia: The fear of making contact. But it doesn't stop at the phone. Phone Phobia covers any type of contact whether it's phone, email, snail mail or face to face. Why does this happen? We know deep down what needs to be done yet we often don't do it. We are intimidated, scared, insecure or simply lacking confidence. All for what? To avoid the ever-powerful...Rejection. That one word causes more stress and anxiety than most any other. As humans we crave acceptance and any thoughts or actions that could lead to the opposite are avoided like the plague. But what's the worst that can happen? Maybe you'll gain a little experience in handling an objection. Who couldn't use a little practice there? And that's if they turn you down. If you get a yes, then suddenly the world's at your fingertips. But how do we gain the confidence necessary to approach the people and prospects who are so potentially important to our futures? I have found an answer in two words: Making Contact. Here's the rule of thumb: The longer you wait between contact with a person, the more intimidating it is to make future contact.