Be Grateful For “Failures”
By: Tessa Stowe | Leave a comment
Your “fear of failure” may stop you from talking to potential clients. Fear is nature’s way of protecting you and it is very normal, the only challenge is that it sometimes manifests when not required. So when you’re about to talk to a potential client and you feel this fear, acknowledge it, thank it, and say that its services are not required at this time! The next step is to move your focus from “fear of failure” to how you can help your potential client. Move your focus from yourself to your potential client.
A negative view of “failure” will not only stop you from talking to potential clients but it will severely influence the outcome of the conversation.
Imagine that you are about to talk to a potential client and you have the perspective that failure is a bad thing. What sort of impact does that have on you and how you come across? Are you hesitant? Unenthusiastic? Uncomfortable? Would this be attractive to a potential client?
Just suppose that instead you have the perspective that “failure” is just feedback and a natural part of the sales process. How do you think you will then come across? Relaxed? Confident? Natural? You may say, “easier said than done” to have this perspective. I say read on.
Thomas Edison failed over 3,000 times to develop the light bulb. Think about scientists. They are the failure masters; they never get it right the first time. Did you know that Colonel Saunders went through nine years of failure to perfect his secret blend of herbs and spices that is still used by KFC today? JK Rowling, turned down by several publishers, never let “failure” stop her. There are now over 103 million Harry Potter books in print.
Change your perspective on failure and your sales conversations will become easier and more productive.
Last 5 posts by Tessa Stowe
- Hate Selling? Start By Being “You†When Selling - October 5th, 2007
- What steps can you take to overcome your fear of selling? - September 29th, 2007
- Are You Having Sales Conversations From Your Head? - September 23rd, 2007
- Three Steps To Authentic Sales Conversations - September 22nd, 2007
- A Simple Sales Strategy: Ask Questions - September 17th, 2007
April 21st, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Just wanted to give you kudos for another great article. I had to do a double take when I read the first few sentences, before going to the site and reading the entire article. I wondered if that was one of the articles I submitted. When I saw your smiling face, I knew otherwise. Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom, insights and personal experiences with others. You make the world a much nicer place and you contribute to the success of so many people.
Be well and be happy!
JP