Note-to-self: only the first cold-call is difficult

I'm always flummoxed at how starting a round of cold-calls seems so bone-chilling - key term, "starting." Once you get in to the grove, which is right about the time you make your second "dial" the discomfort that comes with cold-calling quickly goes away and is replaced with genuine confidence. I probably need to do some neuro-linguistic self-programming so that when I build my call list I'm stimulated to positive responses.

I suppose it helps that I've been making these calls for several years now and I know how to properly conduct them. I recall early in my career that the very idea of cold-call activity was utterly crippling. Not so much these days.

I only get exposed to others making cold calls once in a great while. When I do get to listen to them - or be on the receiving end of a cold-call, I get so excited at the prospects of having a front-row seat. But, the problem with that is what psychologists call the Hawthorne Effect. That's when people behave differently when they know someone else is observing them. The reason I mention this is because when I get to witness others cold-calling, I'm convinced that Hawthorne prevents me from seeing the real thing. And, the variety I do get to see is usually very mediocre. So, I give people an automatic 10% advantage. Still, most people stink at it and have no interest in getting better. And, most get stuck on making the very first call.

So, with this rant soon to be published, I can now resume my task. Good day...happy calling. It only stings on the first one.

Note to self - only the first call is difficult. The rest...eh...easy.