Follow

Do you ever feel reluctant to ask for the sale? Are there some new marketing or sales strategies that you’ve been putting off because they scare you? Do you worry about how others may perceive you? If you can relate, this post is for you!

Many years ago, I read a book by a psychologist, Susan Jeffers titled Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway. And that’s just what I did on a trip to Costa Rica a few years ago.

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 vacation in Costa Rica, I decided to push myself to walk over 8 suspension bridges that were as high as 180 feet and sway when you walk on them. Yes, I was nervous. 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 bring up fear every day. You face rejection, looking silly, rude prospects, mistakes on orders, supply chain and pandemic challenges, 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 online of offline, reach out to better prospects that that have the ability to give you larger orders and repeat business, try some new and different sales strategies, update your social media profiles, send that email or make that phone call. The more you do, the easier it becomes! Keep track of your successes! I’m guessing once you start taking action, there will be many successes! With each new thing you try, you’ll gain renewed confidence.

Always remember, you are performing a valuable service! You are helping our economy grow!

I’d love to hear from you. Is there a fear you’ve overcome that has helped you be more successful in your promotional products business?  Please comment below.

Here’s to a great selling month!