Top 10 things people fear the most......
10. Dogs -- I have to admit, I am not afraid of dogs. I am not even afraid of the dogs I probably SHOULD be afraid of...
9. Loneliness -- Again...this is one that I do not have to deal with...I am ok with it. But, I know many people that do have to deal with this daily.
8. Flying -- I love to fly. My wife would rather rip her fingernails out with pliers than board a plane.
7. Death -- Pretty deep subject...I would say I fear the death of those I love more than my own mostly because I don't want to deal with it or think of my world without them.
6. Sickness -- There is a difference between being sick...and being SICK. I can handle a cold or the flu. I have lost people close to me to disease...I don't even want to get SICK.
5. Water -- I don't have a fear of water, but I hate having water splashed in my face...even in a pool.
4. Financial problems -- I have had lots of money. I have had no money at all. I have survived both.
3. Insects -- Yet another fear that I do not have to deal with...but, my sister would rip down a cinder block wall to get away from a spider. Her fear is so deep, she will actually go into shock.
2. Heights -- Ok. Gut check time... I am afraid of heights. It's not the height that bothers me, really. It is the thought of falling that far and hitting the cold, hard ground and breaking bones that scares me. Being up on a wobbly 20 foot ladder?? Oh hell no...
1. Public speaking -- I admit, I have a bit of this...but, I'm getting better. I know people that pass out having to give speeches. I have seen people get sudden attacks of laryngitis, nausea, even require oxygen and medical treatment.
So, what does all this have to do with follow-up phone calls??
Fear.
I think that a generous portion of why people do not do follow-up calls (or continue to do them beyond call number 2...) is fear.
But...the question is.... Fear of what??
Fear of the phone? ...of making a mistake? ...of being annoying? ...of pushing a potential client away? ...of possibly hearing the word 'No'?
Yes. Well, maybe not a fear of the phone per se...(that's a bit ridiculous, right?) But, the others?? Yes.
I have actually had agents tell me the reason they do not make more phone calls 
to follow-up with clients is they are afraid of pushing them away by being too annoying, potentially causing them to tell them they are not interested any more.
Now, considering that a generous portion of an agent's job on a day-to-day basis is lead generation, doesn't this seem counter-intuitive?
A roofer can not be afraid of heights. A surgeon can not be afraid of blood. A pilot can not be afraid to fly. And...a real estate agent can not be afraid of making follow-up calls.
"Fear is nothing more than a feeling. You feel hot. You feel cold. You feel hungry. You feel afraid. Fear can never kill you." ~~ Joel Grey as 'Chun' in Remo Williams: An Adventure Begins
Although this situation probably isn't as extreme as that Chun was referring to above, the systematic failure to make follow-up calls based on fear may not kill you...but, it will kill your career.
To overcome this fear...remember one thing: These prospects contacted you asking for information. It is your job to get it to them. And, until you do that, you have not done your job to the best of your ability. In other words, until you get that prospect on the phone with you, you have to continue to call because you have not done your job yet.
When a hurdler sits at the starting line, they focus on the finish line, not on the hurdles. When asked why they do this, they state that if you focus on the hurdles, you will hit them.
Dont focus on the hurdles...focus on the goal. The calls are your hurdles. But, getting your client the information they require is the goal.
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Awesome post. I am re-blogging for my students. Excellent job!
I have to admit that I love #1. I do a talk radio show each week.
William -- Thanks. Keep up the good work.
Mark -- Thank you so much! Very much appreciated!
Harry -- Awesome! Although, I did radio for 5 years...I never really considerd that public speaking since it was just me and a microphone. LOL!
That was a great post. Fear and comfort levels have always been a problem for me, but one I've overcome. Have a great Tuesday!
Excellent! Great points, I especially enjoyed your summation: A roofer can not be afraid of heights. A surgeon can not be afraid of blood. A pilot can not be afraid to fly. And...a real estate agent can not be afraid of making follow-up calls.
Great post and such a good point. It is ironic that a group of generally outgoing people can have so much fear over phone calls. We all feel it. I guess I figure that people are expecting me to be a certain amount persistent. Isn't that why they work with a realtor in the first place?
That is a great post Clint. Thanks for sharing. When I first got into the business, I believe I had a fear of "what if they say yes?". I believe you and I think pretty much the same way on 1-10. The thing is with water....it's not the water itself, it's what you can't see under the water (snakes, sharks, etc.) that may want to take a bite out of you.
Have a great day!
Sam -- Thank you very much! I am glad you liked it. Fears are hard to overcome, for sure. Im still working on the heights thing...lol
Yup, the phobias are real, and we can't just strong will them away. My wife is claustrophobic, and no amount of shouting or reasoning can get that out of her system. But, we work around it. good post.
Clint,
I don't understand the fear of following up. Now, cold calling is something different. That cane be negative and unpleasant.
Brian
Terrific post, Clint. I know agents who hate to call their buyer clients a month or so after closing, because maybe they didn't like the house or they found something wrong with it. Of course they like it and most certainly there is something wrong. What an opprtunity to help out. Past clients are gold. Stay in touch.
Melanie -- Thank you! I am happy that point drove it home for you.
Kristen -- I am happy you liked it. I agree, that is ironic.
Dan -- Thanks, my friend. LOL @ the under-the-water thing....thanks. Now I have that to look forward to on the boat this season. :-)
Bryan -- Fears are real. And it takes a long time to overcome some of them....some just cant be overcome.
Brian -- Cold calling sucks...period. But, it must be done. And yes, you will get some bad seeds doing that...its the nature of the beast.
Glenn -- Thank you! And, I couldnt have said it better myself! Sounds like a blog post in the making to me! ;-)
Clint
Your post thumbnails life for better or for worse and points out things that we can take on or put off........There is growth and mystery behind some of them......thank you
Good post, I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you so much.
Patricia/seacoast NH
Richie -- And thank you for the in-depth analysis of the post. Awesome.
Patricia -- I am very happy that you did. :-)
Well written. I always recommend to my crew that they join toastmasters or a similar group to help overcome that fear.
Nicholas -- Toastmasters is a great idea to help overcome the speaking fear. Good recommendation.
Hi Clint ~ Well thought out post. You make some excellent points about fear. Love the analagy to a hurdler at the end.
Denise
Denise -- Thank you so much! I am glad you liked the post and the analogy. I figured that was the best way to drive that point home.
I am on the verge of phobic when it comes to dogs, but the public speaking part of my job is my absolute favorite. I owe that to an amazing speech teacher I had in college.
Professionally, I do have a large fear of cold calling (lucky I don't have to do it often). But i think follow up is different. I can say from a the perspective of being a client of a Realtor, you can't follow up with me enough. Even if it is bad news, I just want to hear something from my agent, the more info the better. And even before that stage, if I fill something out to become a lead, I expect to get solicited fairly hard. If I didn't, I don't think that is the person I would want to use in a transaction.
Sara -- I have the same feelings about follow up calls from a client stand point. The more you call me to tell me what is going on, the LESS I fear the situation. It is the fear of the UNKNOWN that scares buyers and sellers more than having someone call you up. IMHO...
This is probably the best post I've read in weeks. Thanks for this perspective. I will admit that I have an issue with dogs, though I love dogs and get along very well with most of them. Door-knocking is something I like to do when I host an open house. I go along the neighborhood with fliers inviting the neighbors. But when I hear a dog barking inside, I want to turn and run!! I have GOT to get over that. I had a pretty nasty dog bite once, and two more dog bites that were of moderate severity. But for crying out loud, I've got to get over it! I won't get started on heights...or closed spaces....
Just to take any fear out of the followup call for me, I write in my notes how the people were very nice. So, next time I see my notes it will take any fear away...
Enjoyed the post Clint! Keep em coming.
Kate -- *humbled* Thank you so much for your kind words. I think you are well on your way to overcoming your fears...baby steps. ;-)
Clint, A very well thought out post! I have seen this sort of thing discussed many times, but I really like how you got there!
Alan -- Any form of follow-up should have notes attached to it...excellent point!!!
For everyone..... If you do not have a CRM that allows you to take notes on the prospect and how things went on the call ---> GET ONE!
@_SKG Thank you!! Thats the plan. ;-)
John -- Thank you so much. Happy you like the post.
Hi Clint,
Your post is so accurate. There is a discomfort level with making followup calls, but we all need to get over it. I don't really like doing them but honestly, I always get a positive response when I do.
~Lisa
Lisa -- Thanks...follow-up calls are surely less of an issue for most than cold calls. But, they still cause fear in some. But, like you just said...from a client's perspective, they are never a burden. And, if you keep that in mind, they get a whole lot easier.
Hi Clint, thanks for this reminder.
I'm trying to get into the habit of following up past phone call number 2 and letter number 2.
I used to work for a builder and we had the coolest follow-up system. I'm trying to see if there is a system out there like that for realtors.
I hear Outlook is good at this.
Let's face it. The fear in regard to all things telephone is "fear of rejection". The ego is a fragile item, and like all fears and phobias, we need to either get over them or adapt. It's not easy.
Excellent post!
MeLisa -- You are so welcome. Any CRM can set up reminders for you for follow-up. Outlook can do it....but, if you want something bigger, go with GoldMine or Actify....
Howard and Susan -- Amen! :-)
This is a great post! I am actually going over something like this right now in training with my agents. I asked them to list all of their greatest fears. Then we will go over them and see if any of them can be overcome, and we all help each other to do it. If they can overcome one or two of their fears, then picking up a phone and calling someone should be easy!
Rose -- Hopefully, this blog will help them move forward on this topic with you! :-)
Most of our new business comes from the follow-up call doesn't it? I need to improve in this area as well. Like anything else, it is not so bad after it is over with. Then you wonder, why didn't I do that earlier.
Clint ~ So very true...we haven't done our jobs until we provide the information they requested. When I first started, the follow up call we really scary. And I am scared to death of public speaking... :)
Scott -- Yes...yes it does. ;-) And, you are correct with the rest of your assessment, as well. ;-)
Lori -- Glad you agree. Public speaking is a biggie to oversome...again, some one earlier suggested Toastmasters...perhaps that is something you should look into as well... :-)
Great post... What's up with not being afraid of water but does not like water splashed in the face... Me too.. It's kind of wierd though.
Great post. Fever will never kill you but it will keep you from making yourself successful.
Stephanie -- Thanks. I hate water in my face. I have no fear of water...I can swim...quite well. Just HATE having water in my face. Even in the shower, it bothers me...
Shawn -- Thank you. And, Yes...Fear will do just that.
Overcoming the fear of rejection is the hardest of all. Although I am more afraid of wasps-yellow jackets and heights. I am glad I do not sell high-rises I would be in big trouble, and yes I will crash my car if I have a wasp inside! I freak out, slam on the breaks, anything to get out!
Hi Clint, awesome post in a long time! That is one fear I do not have and that is following up. I can understand why others are in fear of it. If you do it right, it works.
Corinne -- Rejection is a big one...the key with that is that you have to learn to not take it personally. Especially in this industry. Oh...and Im allergic to bees. Get stung...throat swells shut. Im with you there. ;-)
Jackie -- Hi, Jackie! Yeah, we have been in a bit of a transition here at the office.
Clint- I am 100% with you on the fear of heights... ok with the public but don't love it- but like you I do not understand the fera of followup calls. I have been know to call and leave message for over a year- maybe once a month- I have had people use me for this- and I have never been cussed out, blocked, etc for doing so... One of my favorite people I met on an open house... I called her and her husband for ovr a year- and eventually closed them... we laughed at the closing table because- as she put it "I wouldn't go away... " We still laugh about it as that was a few years back and we are now looking again;)
Shanna -- HATE heights. Flying is ok, tho...I can even look out the window. :-) As they say...it is the squeeky wheel that gets the oil. Squeek, damnit. It works. ;-)
Fear can never kill you is certainly true but I've seen it paralyze a number of people! Great ponits and an excellent post!
Clint,
Clearly you do not need to fear that no one will read your posts!
Clint, Thanks for the post I have been stuck in the do not call past client mode for the month. My fear that I have not been in contact with them on a regluar basis has stopped me from calling them up.
Perfect timing.
And courage is not the absence of fear but rather action in the face of it. Great points, Clint. I will try to have more courage when it comes to follow-up. -- Tanya in Montreal
Fear of being rejected...... It's a real fear.
great post. I find myself fighting that fear often. I just push through and many times suprised by the out come.
Russel -- Yup...it has paralyzed me before. ;-)
Irene -- Awwww, thank you! :-)
Durrell -- Happy to help you, my friend. Get on it. ;-)
Tanya -- Agreed!! Thank you for bringing that up. I hope this post helps you!
Loreena -- Of course it is...I agree.
Chip -- I think more people than are willing to admit do find themselves in that same boat. And, that is usually the outcome of it also. ;-)
I completely agree- don't focus on the hurdles, focus on the goal!! Very well said.
AZ Resource -- Thank you. I am happy that rang true for you. ;-)
I think "fear of rejection" is the biggest reason people don't follow up (we all want to be loved ~ don't we??)
The best advice on this that I ever heard was from Jack Canfield (the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" guy) I attended a workshop of his and he was telling how many times he had to pitch his ideas and got rejected. His philosophy was that each time he heard "NO" from a publisher, he had to click on his brain to say "NEXT!" Of course he became very successful with his persistance.
Earlene -- Turning a NO into a NEXT is the way I was taught to do follow-up calls. Good advice.
The number one fear of most men is - their wives.
Gregory -- My wife reads my blog...I refuse to confirm or deny this statement. :-)
I fall into that category of being afraid of pushing people away by following up too much. I don't want to be seen as pushy.
Mark -- Think of it this way...by doing that, you are (potentially) costing yourself business. Sure, someone may say 'No'....but, how many 'Yes' answers are you missing by avoiding that 'No'?? ;-)
Wow...great post, and such encouragement. This business is about contact/communication, and the call is the key.
Clint - I was going to leave you a comment but am afraid you would just make fun of it. Good post, they say people are born with 2 fears...fear of falling and fear of loud noises, but I'm no expert.
S2S -- Thank you very much. You are right...the call is the key.
Paul -- Interesting fear...:-)
Ok....jumping out of a plane...Yeah, add that to my fear list. No way. Flying, Im good. Combine falling AND heights....No way. Gawd, just the thought of that made me queezy...
Great post Clint,
I know we all struggle with fear at some point, and it's with different things for different people. But most often we fear because we are uncertain about an outcome. And I've found that the outcome is usually not nearly as awful as the "story" I've told myself previously.
Pete -- Thank you. And, you are 100% correct on that part. The outcome is never as bad as your mind makes out to be prior to actually doing it.
But...Im still not jumping out of a plane...
Just what I needed! Thanks that was a great post!
Carey -- You are quite welcome!! Very glad you liked it.
Teriffic post Clint. Following up on something when you do not know what the outcome will be can be very daunting, but if you don't follow up, just think about what you might be missing out on.
Gary -- Thank you very much! And, that is precisely my point! :-)
Hey Clint, Wow, you really take us to the point quickly withthis one. For me, this was your best and most insightful post ! Well done .
Bill -- Glad you liked this post, my friend. And, thank you very much for your kind words. Much appreciated!
Great post, Clint! I actually saw it on Facebook. :-)
Rejection: I don't like it, but the more calls I make the easier it is to say "next". "Thank you for your time sir/ma'am" (sometimes followed by something not so nice after I hang up) and move on.
Depending on a day some calls can bring me down so I stop that activity for the day.
Thanks again for a great perspective.
Ally -- Thank you so much! And, thanks for the Facebook follow. ;-) Happy to have you on board!
Yeah, I think everyone has a limit when it comes to getting shot down. Everyone is human...tolerances vary depending on the day.
Clint, great framing and call back. Enjoy your writing! I have had many instances where if I hadn't picked up that phone just one more time...I would not have won the business.
I'm a "cut to the chase person" so I really like follow up calling. I want to know where I stand so I like to call people.
Patricia/Seacoast NH
I'm a "cut to the chase person" so I really like follow up calling. I want to know where I stand so I like to call people.
Patricia/Seacoast NH
Great post. I'm about to start tackling my fear of public speaking. I'm starting a buyers class in a few weeks. Gulp. Wish me luck.
I've heard that it may take an average of following-up 5-7 times with a lead before that individual becomes a client. Whether follow-up is by phone, postcard, newsletter, or another means, it is very important to not let our leads forget about us or think that we forgot about them!
Im deathly afraid of dogs! Follow up calls are only deathly if approached with the wrong tone and approach. So if you get a call saying you won, would your defense be up or down, or the question is what did I win? So with a mindset of not being a telemarketer, realize how the verbage is given and understand the rules of cold calling and relational calling. Using names can be great but if slaughtered can be devistating. Or using the question, IS starting for a word??? so take note, and say congratulations, or something to the effect of them wanting to ask you why? Good post!
Good evening Clint,
Great post ..all new agents should be required to read this ...great message!
Fun list and good segue into the follow-up call chills.
Wonderful post, Clint! I think the difference between agents who do really well and those who don't are follow up calls. I am a lot more afraid of heights than of making phone calls.
Clint, once again a wonderful post. You're a talented writer. I am afraid of height, snakes, and death of the loved ones. I've lost few of them and it still hurts.
I am not an agent, but in my business I also need to make those "dreaded" phone calls to follow up. I get many emails through my website from people, who want to know more about my services and my fees. Sometimes, I hear back from them right away and sometimes I don't. I have learned to make "those" calls or send "those" email to follow up. 95% of the time, my calling back has resulted in business. I'm not afraid of my calls come across as being pushing, because my approach is not.
Thanks for sharing!
Yip. Don't like heights. But those who can't get over a fear of calling people may as well quit. I mean, consumers complain follow up or communication is our biggest weakness or reason to not use a service provider, so MUST master that one!
WOW, we share the top 10 but I am OK on the phone. But, I also was on debate and impromtu speaking competitions in high school - -- that might have soemthing to do with it.
I hate ALARMS especially SET ones in HOMES __ i get sweaty palms, have to thoughtfully remind myself to BREATH. How many alarms have I set off -- 1 or 2, so the phobia is just that. (Even had it a lifetime ago when I managed a restaraunt and it was the SAME alarm EVERY day.)
That being said - I'll raise my hand. I know a call capture feature would drastically help my business, I'm just terrified to make those phone calls. Maybe I can hire someone to do the follow up? Nope, it's my business, I need to do it. Back to listening to my "hypnotic messages". Great post - thanks for the reminder.
Good list. I don't like heights, but don't mind flying (window seat!). I fear finances, but seem to worry for nothing. I do NOT like public speaking. And I fear idiots, those weren't on your list, however.
Patricia -- Yup. Im right there with you. ;-)
Eric -- Break a leg, Eric! I am certain you will do just fine.
Paul -- 7 appears to be the magic number according to most reports. Although, I have seen reports that say as many as 15 are required in order to get someone to trust you enough to work with you.
Dave -- "wrong tone and approach"..... AMEN!!
Dorie -- Thank you so much for the kind words....very much appreciated!
Lawrence -- Thank you! Happy you enjoyed the post.
Patricia -- Thank you. For sure, Im far more scared of heights than the phone. ;-)
Shirin -- Thank you very much. Youre the second person to mention approach...and that really is the key to a successful follow-up call. Without the tact to be able to handle the call properly, follow-up calls will never work. Excellent point.
Kristen -- The largest complaint that I get in my industry (lead generation) is that agents simply will not call the clients even when asked to do so... So, you are dead on accurate here.
Billie -- I think any form of public speaking makes a person more confident on the phone...that and knowing what it is you are actually talking about. :-)
Susan -- I hope this post in some way helps you conquer that fear. Believe me, getting over that hump will dramatically affect your bottom line. Remember one thing...by NOT making those calls, you are leaving money on the table. That usually motivated me enough to call. ;-)
Carla -- Oooohhh....Yeah, my fear of idiots runs really deep. ;-)
Great post! I'm with Carla, I fear idiots and incompetents! (and knuckleheads on the road who don't understand right of way!)
Bill
Liz and Bill -- Thank you! And, Im with you on those also....
Oh, and people that cant figure out how a 4-way stop works....ARGH!
Clint, one of the best posts I have read on AR.
Thanks for sharing.
I have a definite fear of public speaking with a cold by myself on a high tower and flying off the tower because of a big dog being chased by insects into a pool of water and dying because I had no money for insurance….yep that’s my story for not making follow ups and I am sticking to it!
Great post! I'm posting it on my bulletin board as a reminder!
Lee -- Thank you so much!! Very appreciated!
Deborah and Steve -- Well...sound like you got all the bases covered. ;-) Hope the post helps...
Toastmasters and preparation...
Wow, Clint!!
Well put, and talk about breaking it down to the basics - thank you! The sales process is at times a very strange phenomenon - Buyer with a need INITIATES the contact and then wants to hide from the response. We've all been on both sides of the issue, and I think part of the answer as well is to not take it personally. Follow up is on my agenda today, and I feel a new-found sense of enthusiasm surrounding the task!!
Great thoughts!
Ken -- Agreed to the 2nd power.
Lisa -- I am happy that you are energized for the conquest. And yes...NOT taking it personally is a huge weight off your shoulders and a valuable asset to have when making follow-up calls. For all you know, you could be calling them at a bad time. Most of the time, a 'no' isnt really a 'no'.....It is a 'not right now'.
Thanks, I really need counter my fear from cold calling & follow-up calls.
Mahmoud
Mahmoud -- I hope this post helps you get over that hump. Best of luck to you!
The only thing you left off was clowns. *shudder*
Oh, and roaches *double quadruple shudder*
Great post and so very true!!!
Great post. Most of what we fear is baseless. I believe most call reluctance is not about "No" and more about "yes" then what do we do.
Ha, Ha! Great post and very amusing and right on the money. Good job!
Charlotte -- Sooo....roaches dressed up as clowns.....? ;-) Thanks! Much appreciated!
Cliff -- Agreed...most of what we fear is baseless.
Jamie -- Thank you so very much! Happy you enjoyed it.
I don't have many fears, but do really hate calling people I think might not want me to call. Much prefer sending an email!
Great Post - Thank You!
I definitely agree, as a real estate agent we must know the appropriate times to call a client. The goal is to be effective and not annoying but one can not be effective if they aren't calling at all. It takes time but after a while you will be able to tell if you are becoming slightly annoying.
Joetta -- Emails are really a very poor substitute for a phone call from a conversion standpoint. Very rarely do they come close to converting like a follow-up call done properly will...Best of luck to you!
Terry -- Thank you!
Eric -- Agreed completely!
Great Post! There is also Fear of Success! I think as a Wife, and Mom-Being a Realtor brings with it a certain Fear of Success. The what if I get really busy and can't be there for my Husband or my children. What if I get so busy I am not able to take care of my clients properly. I know that this is kind of an irrational fear, I am working on that! Real Estate requires Face to Face, but not IN your face.
Darla -- I can understand that point. There is a certain threshhold that some people simply dont want to cross... I, for one, do not love my job. I require my job. My job pays me well so that I can do the things I love with the people that I love. I need my job, but I dont love it. :-)
Follow up calls I am not so bad at - but cold calling I have always hated, although I did it in the first years of real estate and I know that not calling as many FSBO's and expireds has cost me a lot of money over the years! I used to really beat myself up about it and tried many ways to get around it - however, now I am working on getting back to basics again! Great Post - its nice to know I am not alone!!!!
I think if you are afraid you are being too pushy, then you need to look at the information you are providing and ask yourself if it is valuable or not. If not, then find something valuable to offer and make the call. Don't focus on the lost opportunity aspect (I'm losing potential commissions by not calling, etc) or beat yourself up. Focus on the service you are providing to the client - they want and need this information. They are not leads or prospects - they are people. Treat them like that and you will have no problems or fears.
Dawn -- I dont think there is a situation with making phone calls where you are alone...lol. Everyone has been there at some point in their career. Thanks for the kudos on the post. ;-)
Cindy -- Agreed...a follow-up call should always provide some form of value to the potential client.
"They are not leads or prospects - They are people." <---- AMEN!!! Permission to quote you at some point?? ;-)
Also, how do you feel when someone calls you? Certainly not enough feeling there that would actually hurt the caller. So, when you think of it like this - in the reverse, it helps to see that fear of calling someone is completely ridiculous.
Karen -- I would agree with that. Unless Im sitting down to have dinner. But, I dont answer my phone at that time anyway. That is what voicemail is for. ;-)
What an awesome, positive post! I love the list. I used to be totally freaked out by spiders...until I bought a house on a crawl space. At the building inspection, the inspector called me under to have a look at something. Thought I was gonna DIE! Big, deep breath and under I went. Amazing what you can do when there are no other choices!
Fear is the biggest obstacle to success. I struggle with it and I know many others do to.
Carole -- Thank you very much! And, it is amazing what you can do when there are no other choices...
Gene -- I would agree with that statement.
Fantastic post so I added to my Facebook page for all my business owner friends, and I might re-blog but later.
PS Where did you get the fun graphic with people popping through the wall?
Tina -- Thank you very much!! Much apprecaited....oh, I got that from www.istockphoto.com. I buy all my images there...it's cheap, and I can use them as many times as I cant once I get them. $1 an image. ;-)
I like the suggestion of making notes on how nice the person was. That will definately help me.
Thanks for the post, Clint.
Marilyn -- Im glad you found something in here that will help you! Awesome!
Spiders and Heights....also, can't swim so if I can't touch the bottom when I stand I am going to drown! Otherwise I swim quite well.... isn't that stupid?
However, public speaking and making a call back is NOT ONE OF MY ISSUES!
Coming to you from Texas...
Sussie -- Spiders and snakes, huh??? In Texas, huh?? Seems to me those things kinda go hand in hand...LOL. Glad you can handle your phone calls, tho! Awesome!
Yes. Good stuff Clint. I am afraid of 'certain' heights and making 'certain' phone calls. I'll have to think about this. Thanks for the nudge.
Lyn -- You are welcome for the nudge. ;-)
I always thought I had a fear of public speaking. When I thought about my life, I realized that I had stood in front of a classroom full of students for 17 years and then I was the president of a condo association for 15 years...... who was I speaking to if that wasn't the "public"???
And I don't FEAR follow-up calls.... I just don't do it as regularly as I should!
You hit all my biggies, except cold calling and snakes. And I can deal with cold calling and public speaking. Snakes, spiders and heights though, yuck.
I love any blog post that includues a Remo Williams quote! We qoute that movie all the time in my house.
You have a very good point. I'm certainly guilty of "putting off" making calls for fear of being too annoying. I'll certainly take your advice to heart!
So well written. I've seen many real estate agents afraid to pick up the phone. I was terribly afraid of public speaking for years. Still bothers me.
Like a lot of things in life, our biggest challenge is usually getting out of our own way. We put ourselves in the boxes we find ourselves in.
Kathy -- Yeah, that is surely qualifying as "public" ;-)
John -- Im only the heights...heights scare me. Im even ok with snakes...kinda. ;-)
Kristen -- LOVE Remo Williams! One of the best movies no one has heard of....LOL
Kay -- Thank you very much. Glad you liked the post.
Marianne -- "...getting out of our own way." <---- great point!
Clint ~ I always find your posts interesting, informative and even conversational (the ReMax in the Walmart post). You are FEARLESS! I believe that, if you know your numbers, those 'no's' just get you closer to that "yes". Fear is real, but fear of no paycheck for me is a more dangerous fear.
Dawn -- Thank you so much for the kind words! Very appreciated! And, Im right there with you...I know the numbers I work with...and that is how I view it. A no is just one more closer to the yes I need. ;-)
I am not afraid of dogs but recently I had a 200 lb Great Dane try to eat me....I didn't see an upside to that situation!
Damon -- Yeah...Once the weight of the dog starts to match that of myself, my anxiety level goes up... ;-)