What stops you from making a phone call or sending off a note? It is likely to be a fear of rejection. What we imagine is usually far worse than reality. The fear is just a thought.

What are some fear busters you can use to change your thoughts and get into action?

• Write about what you fear. My friend, Polly Lemire, author of The Cold Call Cure, recommends keeping a journal of these ideas and thoughts. She calls it a “garbage dump”. Once your thought is out of your head and on paper (a much safer place for it), you can move forward and make follow up calls.
• Call someone who likes you to get warmed up. Talking with a friend first can make it easier to follow up with someone you just met.
• Write up a script for your call. Plan and outline what you want to say. You might even rehearse.
• Have a purpose for your call or letter. Both are a step towards a deeper relationship.
• Schedule time for making calls and writing notes.
• Offer something to share that can help the person you are contacting. It could be a great article, a web site or an upcoming event you thought would be of interest to them.
• Keep a log of your progress.

I’d love to hear your fear busting strategies. Write and tell me what works for you.