There are indeed plenty of folks who thrive on cold calling. It is just a matter of mental perspective. In fact, the article you’d commented on is very applicable to cold calls. And leads are everywhere. Salespeople just need to make contact; as that is the first step to growth in confidence (and bank account balances)!

A good method for generating leads for a sales force is to find someone that really thrives on cold calling (yes they are out there) and put them to work as a “feeder” of leads to the rest of the sales team. It takes a special person to get it right, but when it works it is magic. It might even be an existing member of the sales force. Or you might have to go out and find someone. I did that over this past year and the field sales people are absolutely thrilled with getting pre-qualified leads and I’m thrilled because the number of proposals has gone up by a noticeable amount. I know it’s a simple concept, it’s really just adding inside sales to an outside sales force, but it works.

Everyone has a specialty!

Great question. The number one factor that impacts the kind of confidence you are looking to improve upon is preparation. Really know your material. Secondly, get your head right by making a decision to be confident. Don’t focus on what you fear may go wrong. Instead, focus on what your objectives are for the meeting and see yourself doing a bang-up job. Even if it is your first presentation, act as if you’ve done it a million times. People will percieve you the way you perceive yourself. Finally, be sure to smile and have fun.

Sweet article. Do you do anything specific to “up your confidence level” before you go into a sales presentation? I’m curious b/c I’m sure that whatever you recommend could also be applied to other situations in my life, and who doesn’t enjoy feeling confident?

Thanks,

Dave