Struggling with Overcoming Fear of Making Phone Calls in My Business?

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and challenges related to overcoming the fear of making phone calls in their Pampered Chef businesses. Many express similar feelings of anxiety and seek advice on how to manage this fear while striving for success.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their struggle with phone anxiety and expresses a desire to book more shows.
  • Another participant mentions using motivational phrases to encourage themselves to make calls, likening the phone to a source of potential income.
  • Several users note that fear of the phone is a common issue and suggest reviewing resources from workshops to help manage this fear.
  • One participant suggests offering incentives, like free products, to encourage bookings during phone calls.
  • Another participant emphasizes that rejection is not personal and that the worst outcome is simply a "no."
  • One participant shares insights from a workshop, highlighting that much of the fear is self-created and providing strategies to overcome it.
  • Another participant recounts their recent attempts to make calls and seeks advice on managing follow-up communications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best strategies to overcome phone anxiety, with no clear consensus on a single effective method emerging from the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants draw from personal experiences and training sessions, sharing various techniques and mindsets that have helped them address their fears.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for consultants who experience anxiety about making phone calls and are looking for shared experiences and strategies from peers in similar situations.

H
Humble Beginnings
Messages
667
Ok, so I had a great training call with my director yesterday. We talked about my successess and some of my challenges. The challenge right now is that I currently do not have anyone scheduled for the end of this month and September. I LOVE this business and so much want to continue doing well. She has challenged me to confirm 2 bookings before our cluster meeting on Tuesday. My problem is that I have people to call but everytime I go to pick up the phone I can not overcome the whole phone thing!! UGH. I get all nervous and just keeping putting it off. I would want nothing more than to tell her "No I didn't book 2 shows, I booked 4 or even more". I know a lot of struggle with the phone but I just need some advice and overcoming this fear that I feel inside so that I can succeed in this business. Thank you
 
Okay, so first off...I am not good at this either. But I say to myself "Self, you want the bookings, you want to do a good job, so get on the phone." I try to remember the Lemon Aid Lady's words that the telephone doesn't say "ring, ring" it says CA-CHING!!! Like a cash register. By picking up the phone you can and will make money.
Mention to everyone what is in it for them or ask them for help. It is tough b/c I have heard people say ask them to help you...but I find that I get better hostesses and such when I let them know how I can help them.
Does that make sense? I hope it helps somewhat.
 
First, you are not alone - fear of the phone is a frequent thread here.

I highly recommend reviewing notes from the Phone Courage workshop (National Conference) Log into CC, then click the link for conference details on the left. Scroll all the way down and you'll see a link for handouts for Phone Courage. It covers a lot of what phone fear is about, and how to manage it.

You can do it!
 
Also- you could tell people that you are on a booking blitz, and you want to win by having the most booked shows- if they book a show with you over the phone, you'll give them a free spice or a free seasons best... Good Luck!
 
Think about it this way: the worst they can say is "no, thank you" and even if they do, you're haven't lost anything. You're exactly where you started, if not a bit further along because you're that much further on your list.

And this is a biggie for me too: The no is not personal. They're not saying no to you, just the booking :)
 
pampered.chris said:
Okay, so first off...I am not good at this either. But I say to myself "Self, you want the bookings, you want to do a good job, so get on the phone." I try to remember the Lemon Aid Lady's words that the telephone doesn't say "ring, ring" it says CA-CHING!!! Like a cash register. By picking up the phone you can and will make money.
Mention to everyone what is in it for them or ask them for help. It is tough b/c I have heard people say ask them to help you...but I find that I get better hostesses and such when I let them know how I can help them.
Does that make sense? I hope it helps somewhat.
Click to expand...

That's just what they told us in our phone courage workshop at conference too:thumbup:
Go to consultants' corner, & download the conference notes from that workshop...it'll help you a lot! Also the customer care script.
Fear stands for:
Fantasized
Experiences
Appearing
Real
Too often, we think too much about what's going to happen on the phone....we just need to do it! "Do the thing you fear the most, and that's the death of the fear". I'll try to attach my bullet points of the workshop...I thought it was great! (and I helped lead a training on this subject today at my regional meeting)

It wouldn't let me attach my file.....I copy/pasted:

“Most of fear is self-created. Most of us live under the illusion that things outside of us are causing our fear...But remember, while the experience of the fear will be very real to you, the source of the fear is in your own mind.”
The Alladin Factor, Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen

FEAR
Fantasized
Experiences
Appearing
Real

*3 Factors that make you fearful of making business phone calls:
1. Projection-a defense mechanism where you “project” to others your own undesirable thoughts, motivations, desires and feelings.
2. Unrealistic expectations. (No’s are normal!)
3. Fear of the unknown. (Face the thing you fear the most, & that’s the death of the fear!)

*Good Habits:
-mark show dates you want to fill on calendar
-ask for best time to call
-block time for calls (don’t find time...make time!)
-choose an accountability partner
-don’t over-analyze
-smile...then dial!
-put fake $100 bill on your phone

*Action Plan:
-do what you’re afraid of doing
-block time to make calls
-follow 3-2-1 plan
-use customer care outline
-use “no is no problem” tool
-change voice mail message on answering machine
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Thank you for all the advice. I wasn't aware of the note on CC. I did pick up the phone, spoke to one potential host, she wasn't ready to book but possibly will in the future, called 2 more and left voice messages. Someone mentioned a rotating phone list here once. For people you haven't asked or were outside orders to you call them consistently to see if they are interested in hosting until you hear no? I guess when I thought about the calls I need to make I have the MAC call, the customer care call is there anything else. How do you all handle the calls you need to make? Sorry for all the questions. Just trying to keep this going.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some strategies to overcome the fear of making phone calls in my direct sales business?

One effective strategy is to practice your script or key points beforehand. Role-playing with a friend or family member can also help build confidence. Additionally, start with low-stakes calls to ease into the process and gradually work your way up to more important conversations.

How can I change my mindset about making phone calls?

Shift your focus from the fear of rejection to the potential positive outcomes of the call. Remind yourself that each call is an opportunity to connect and share your passion for your products. Visualizing successful conversations can also help change your mindset.

What if I get nervous during a phone call?

It's completely normal to feel nervous. Take deep breaths before the call to calm your nerves. If you lose your train of thought, pause and refer back to your notes. Remember, the person on the other end is just a human, and it's okay to be yourself.

How can I build confidence in my phone call skills?

Practice is key to building confidence. Set a goal to make a certain number of calls each week. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become. Additionally, seek feedback from peers or mentors to improve your approach and techniques.

Are there any resources available to help me with phone call techniques?

Yes, many resources are available, including online courses, webinars, and books focused on communication skills. Joining a direct sales community or network can also provide support and tips from others who have successfully overcome similar fears.

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