Many years ago, I read a book titled Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway! And that’s just what I did on a recent trip to Costa Rica.
I’ve always had a fear of heights. Just looking over a high balcony makes my palms sweat and my head spin. And forget about driving on mountain roads; that puts me in panic mode! So it was with great trepidation that on my recent vacation in Costa Rica, I decided to push myself to walk over eight suspension bridges that were as high as 180 feet and sway when you walk on them. Yes, I was apprehensive. Yes, my palms were sweaty. And yes, I walked across quickly, but the important thing is I did it! What a feeling of confidence I felt that I faced this fear head on. As a promotional product sales professional, you’re faced with situations that can bring up fear every day. You face rejection, looking silly, rude prospects, mistakes on orders, self-doubt and the ultimate fear: failure! At one time or another, I’ve experienced all of these.
Here’s what I know for sure: having the courage to work through your business fears and take action, even when you feel apprehensive, is what will put you in the arena with the most successful people in promotional products sales. Your willingness to take calculated risks and feel the discomfort is what will get you ahead.
Here’s what I suggest: Make a list of all the things that are holding you back in your promotional products business and then begin to take action on them. Attend a new networking event, reach out to better prospects, try some new and different sales strategies, research and go after bigger accounts and be willing to walk away from those clients that drive you crazy on very small orders and even smaller profits. Get out of the office and stretch out of your comfort zone. Do it and watch your confidence and business soar!
Not sure where to begin taking action in your business? Know you want support, an objective perspective and the resources to get going? Send me an email at [email protected] to set up a complimentary 15 minute “get acquainted” session to see how I can help.
What’s your experience been? Have you ever ventured outside of your comfort zone, or taken calculated risks in your promotional products business? What lessons have you learned? Please share your comments below.
Promo Biz Coach, Rosalie Marcus is a promotional products business expert, coach and speaker. Combining her skills and years of experience in promotional sales, she helps her clients sell more at higher profit margins and dramatically increase their incomes! Get a FREE special report: 10 Big Mistakes Promotional Professionals Make and How to Avoid Them and a FREE Skyrocket Your Sales audio download at www.promobizcoach.com.
