What an interesting question. How long would your list of things to do be if you were answering the above question? Do you have seven things you want to do, seventeen things, twenty-seven things, or more?
Many companies never take on projects because they fear failure. New marketing campaigns get pushed aside, sales promotions are ignored, re-distribution of work loads aren’t tried, and more just because someone, somewhere is afraid to fail.
Two guys named Steve, with only about $2000.00 between them, founded Apple Computer in a garage. If they had more money to lose, would they have taken the chance? What if the investment required was $200,000.00? Would that have affected their decision process? Some may say, “yes,” others may say, “no.” One thing I am sure of, there are other business ideas that never see the light of day because of someone’s fear of failure.
Many sales professionals don’t make cold calls because they fear the word, “no.” They simply can’t stand the rejection. One way to look at this situation is to first calculate your closing rate. If you make four calls for every sale you make, then you close 20 percent of your opportunities. It also means that you will receive four “no’s” for every “yes” that you receive. Each time you are told “no” just think to yourself, “Well, I’m one “no” closer to hearing a “yes.”
Of course I’m not saying that you shouldn’t use prudent business planning, research, and analysis. Sure, many times I’ve passed on an opportunity because the due diligence just didn’t bear enough positive fruit to move forward. But, that is different than being bogged down with fear.
What would you do if you knew you would not fail? Take a piece of paper and answer this question with respect to three areas:
Your company
You professionally
You personally
How many items did you come up with for each area? Take your lists and prioritize them. Then, ask yourself for each item, “What is really keeping you from doing this?” If fear of failure is the major reason you are not moving forward, face your fear, find the tools, money, education, or support you need and move forward.
Pick one item from each list and begin today! Now you’re on the road to Building a Better Biz!
