Rule-breaker that I am… today, I’m actually going to follow the concept that Laura (our wonderful Risk Guide) is teaching us about the power of taking risks.
As she says, they don’t have to be huge risks. (This morning I risked letting myself sleep in very late, even though I have a lot to do. The reward is already evident in my energy level!)
My risk today is that I am saying — out loud here, where the world wide web can see — that I am committing to making more direct calls to generate business. There, I said it.
Later today, I’ll come up with a concrete plan for this. I will compile my list of old contacts & recent contacts (warmish leads). And I will go through my wish list of companies I’d like to work for to begin compiling contacts (cold leads) to reach out to. I will even set some goals!
I am a marketer through and through. I have that pretty well mastered! But the sales aspect is more daunting to me. It’s calling people and asking if they would… gulp… do something that I invite them to do. Oh the horror! LOL.
By the way — I’m not looking for sales advice, I actually know what to do…
But this is one of those moments when you realize you can have all the knowledge about something, but still hesitate in taking action. For me — who just hates to be a bother to anyone – there is that gulp moment of dialing the phone and interjecting myself into someone’s world that feels very risky. In my scant experience with doing this before and my vast experience of being on the receiving end, I am confident that I know the right tone, the right invitation, the right way to be authentic and engaging… and the way to be detached from the outcome. So, knowing is only so much help. It’s going to take the risk of doing this time.
Basically, if I don’t ask, who the heck will ever know I want to work with them?
I’m guessing that some rewards will be…
- Increased clarity of my message
- Increased confidence in myself and what I have to offer
- A good feeling of sharing my gifts with others
- Energy from engaging conversations
- Perhaps, an actual deal closed!
And I’m sure there will be surprises along the way. I will let you know.
Yup. That’s the risk I’m putting out there. Wish me luck!
Martha Carnahan coaches entrepreneurs, leaders and marketers in the professional services world. She has noticed that taking risks, whether bold and scary or seemingly small (and easy to avoid) creates a fresh awareness of the joy, audacity and quiet reverence of a full-spectrum life. Its not just about doing more stuff its about hanging out more in the sweet spot of life. Visit Martha's website.
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Oh, Martha, I do wish you lots of luck. You’ve heard this before I’m sure but remember that every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” You can do it!
Yup, cold calls, slightly warmed or not, can be intimidating. I applaud your decision to feel uncomfortable,yet make them anyway. You know this; don’t take “no” personally. Often it is simply a matter of timing. I suggest that you set a weekly sales goal, as well as a sales goal for the week. It really helps.
Good luck. I am interested to hear how things go for you!