How Can I Overcome My Fear of Making Phone Calls for My Consultant Business?

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and challenges related to making phone calls as Pampered Chef consultants. Many express a common fear of phone communication, while others offer personal anecdotes and strategies for overcoming this anxiety.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses a strong fear of making phone calls despite being comfortable with face-to-face interactions.
  • Another participant shares their experience of starting with small goals, such as making one call a night, to gradually build confidence.
  • Several users mention the importance of practice, suggesting calling friends or other consultants to rehearse phone conversations.
  • One participant discusses using voicemail as a way to ease into making calls, suggesting leaving messages when they know the recipient won't be home.
  • Another participant notes that they reward themselves after making a certain number of calls, which helps motivate them.
  • Some participants mention resources like the Phone Courage teleclass available on the consultant's corner as a helpful tool for overcoming phone anxiety.
  • One participant shares their experience of feeling awkward during calls and dealing with interruptions, highlighting the challenges of balancing family responsibilities with business tasks.
  • Another participant suggests the idea of hosting catalog parties as a way to generate bookings without relying on family support.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the best strategies to overcome phone anxiety, with no clear consensus on a single effective approach. However, there is a shared acknowledgment of the fear surrounding phone calls.

Contextual Notes

Participants in this thread are primarily Pampered Chef consultants who are navigating the challenges of building their businesses while managing personal fears related to phone communication.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for consultants who experience similar fears about making phone calls and are looking for shared experiences and strategies from others in the community.

T
txladicooks
Messages
7
Ok so I decided that I was going to be a consultant, DH fully supports me, I am so good at approaching people and talking about TPC I love the products, so I believe in it. But I am a failure, I still can't do this business, I am backwards to most people, I can't make a phone call. I get people interested, I KNOW they are interested, I get their phone number, or email address, I always follow up with the email, I can't seem to pick up the phone and make the phone call though. I sit there and look at the number, and the phone and I swear I break out into a cold sweat and the room starts to spin. Shouldn't it be harder to just talk to a stranger face to face? Why can't I do this? I am never going to qualify or be successful if I can't get over this fear of the phone. I need to get some solid bookings, and all I have right now is one catalog show, I am working on my open house, and I have a show booked for July. I am a caterer so I am thinking to qualify I could pamper a business a couple times in the next week? Could anyone help me with some ideas to qualify in the next couple of weeks, we are military and don't have family nearby so I can't count on that. :cry:
 
The phone is your worst enemy if you let it be. Start of with small goals, one call a night. Soon you'll work up to making those calls. You have bookings or at least people interested, go for it! What do you have to loose???
 
I am like you where I can talk to someone face to face, but not over the phone. It may be that when you speak to someone directly you can see their face and read their body lang. Don't let this stop you. Start small. Just call a few people and make them friends or family. Don't call them to chit chat, tell them you need the practice to get more open. Then make a few at a time and reward yourself when you do it. I get a bubble bath when I make 5 calls. I have been showering for awhile:D
 
Slack... but I'll call when I KNOW they won't be home. So if you know they work, call and leave a message. It's not ideal but you're teaching yourself that the phone won't bite and maybe they'll call you back. Probably not, but you've made the initial contact.

In the messages I'll say, "I'm sending you an email with xxxx info and will call back next if I don't hear from you." That way I don't feel like a pest if I call back.

I also reward myself for making calls. So, I don't get a piece of cake until I've made xxx calls or booked a show.

Best wishes. You are NOT a failure until you give up. (Although there are real reasons to give up so even that doesn't always make you a failure.)
 
One piece of advice that I have heard is to call a friend or another consultant and "practice" the things you want to work on. Things like follow up, getting bookings, etc. I don't have phone phobia myself, just a major procrastinator...but my Director said that she had this problem and that's how she learned to deal with it. Ask your "phone buddy" to give both yes and no responses so you "learn" that either is ok. She also suggests using a scorecard of sorts to keep yourself on track and reward yourself after completing X number of calls.
Good luck...hang in there...you can do it!! :chef:
 
Listen to the Phone Courage teleclass from Leadership that is posted on consulant's corner to help you with your phone phobia.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
thanks guys I really do plan on attacking the phone! Honest... says courage the cowardly dog as it runs and hides with it's tail between it's legs...
I really love TPC and I do want to be successful so I do need to get on the ball. So I will take any advice I can get! So again thanks! So tomorrow this will be me when I pick up the phone :eek:
 
We just PCSed from Fort Hood!If your going to pamper a bus. let me help suggest places to you!There is a realestate office called Cloud realestate on WS Young...there great! the elementary schools on post were wonderful to us as well! I would also try to go to some of the clinics at metroplex...they love pampered Chef! And even the visitors center at the main gate...if they will allow it and they are not busy. Around there their are tons of real estate offices...try those for a while if you can (can also offer closing gifts).PM me if you need more advice!
 
Bren706 said:
Listen to the Phone Courage teleclass from Leadership that is posted on consulant's corner to help you with your phone phobia.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. I didn't know that was on there, but I too dread picking up the phone and will do everything I can to avoid it :o
 
txladicooks said:
Could anyone help me with some ideas to qualify in the next couple of weeks, we are military and don't have family nearby so I can't count on that. :cry:
Click to expand...

Why not? Ask them to do a catalog party...all it takes is $150 in orders. Since it's a party. it get directly shipped to them to deliver to the customers.
 
I fear the phone, especially after get all those rejections the other night, I am even more afraid of it now. I am taking teh phone courage seminar at NC, I sure need it. :)
 
You can listen to Phone Courage NOW on consultant's corner!
 
I am going to do that, I soooo need it :) I am fine face to face or e-mail, but I hate the phone.
Thanks :)
 
I sat down last night to make some calls too and didn't have the best of luck. The first one was a host coaching call and the lady had to reschedule (for the 3rd time!!!) The second call was to a lady who's ordered from me a couple of times so it was an OOB call. It was awkward, and she said no to a party, and I felt she was giving me a cheesy attitude because she thought I was being cheesy? After that the kids were screaming and hubby yelled for me to come get them ready for bed and that was the end of my calls for the night. Not only do I have phone phobia (because it's always awkward), but I am always really pressed for time and basically I have to see how many calls I can make before someone finds out I'm on the phone and comes into the room... I don't have full support from my DH, but that's another thread. Sorry to hijack, just wanted to let you know that I feel your pain, but I've been at it for almost 2 years now!
 
txladicooks said:
thanks guys I really do plan on attacking the phone! Honest... says courage the cowardly dog as it runs and hides with it's tail between it's legs...
I really love TPC and I do want to be successful so I do need to get on the ball. So I will take any advice I can get! So again thanks! So tomorrow this will be me when I pick up the phone :eek:
Click to expand...


I noticed your siggy....have you tried stopping to pray before you pick up the phone? Pray for the right words to say, pray for a postive touch to your business because of the phone call, etc. It really helps to calm me beforehand...(I hate the phone as well!) Plus...it really does get better with practice. The more calls you do, the less "scared" and "scripted" you will sound to others...

Good luck!

{{{HUGS}}}

 
I agree with everything Kelly said!

And I'm sorry I got distracted earlier and didn't say all I wanted to ...

Have you seen the Pampered Chef mission about helping people develop their God-given talents?

I have heard so many people say that they were terrified of speaking in front of people until they started doing this! You can do this! Listen to Kelly! Pray, pray, pray!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some strategies to build confidence before making phone calls?

To build confidence before making phone calls, practice is key. Start by role-playing with a friend or family member to simulate the conversation. Prepare a script or outline of what you want to say, and rehearse it until you feel comfortable. Additionally, remind yourself of your successes and the value you bring as a consultant, which can help boost your confidence.

How can I manage my anxiety about making phone calls?

Managing anxiety can involve several techniques. Deep breathing exercises can help calm your nerves before making a call. Visualizing a positive outcome can also reduce anxiety. Set a specific time for calling and limit distractions to create a focused environment. Lastly, remember that it’s normal to feel anxious, and with practice, it will become easier.

What should I do if I get rejected during a call?

Rejection is a natural part of sales and should be viewed as a learning opportunity rather than a personal failure. After a rejection, take a moment to reflect on what you could improve for next time. Keep a positive mindset by reminding yourself that every 'no' brings you closer to a 'yes.' Consider following up later with a friendly message to maintain the relationship.

How can I prepare for common questions or objections during calls?

Anticipating common questions or objections can help you feel more prepared. Create a list of frequently asked questions and practice your responses. Research common objections in your field and develop strategies to address them effectively. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel during the call.

What resources can I use to improve my phone skills?

There are many resources available to improve your phone skills. Consider joining training sessions offered by Pampered Chef or other direct sales organizations. Online courses, webinars, and books on sales techniques can also be beneficial. Additionally, listening to successful consultants share their experiences can provide valuable insights and tips for improving your phone skills.

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