How can you conquer phone anxiety and rejection fears when cold calling?

1 Know your purpose

Before you pick up the phone, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the call. Are you trying to book an appointment, qualify a lead, or close a deal? Having a specific goal will help you focus your message and avoid rambling or wasting time. It will also help you measure your progress and success, and give you a sense of direction and confidence.

2 Prepare your script

One of the best ways to reduce phone anxiety and rejection fears is to prepare a script for your cold calls. A script will help you structure your conversation, anticipate common objections, and deliver your value proposition. However, a script is not meant to be read word for word, but rather to guide you and remind you of the key points. You should also personalize your script to fit each prospect and situation, and use a natural and conversational tone.

3 Practice your pitch

Another tip to conquer phone anxiety and rejection fears is to practice your pitch before you make the call. You can practice with a colleague, a friend, or even yourself. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become with your script and your voice. You will also be able to improve your delivery, tone, and pace, and identify any areas that need improvement. Practicing will also help you prepare for different scenarios and responses from your prospects.

4 Manage your emotions

One of the biggest challenges of cold calling is dealing with negative emotions, such as fear, anxiety, frustration, or anger. These emotions can affect your performance, motivation, and attitude, and make you dread making the call. To manage your emotions, you need to adopt a positive mindset and attitude. You need to remind yourself of the benefits and opportunities of cold calling, and celebrate your small wins and achievements. You also need to accept that rejection is inevitable and not personal, and learn from each experience.

5 Use positive language

The language you use in your cold calls can have a significant impact on how you feel and how your prospects perceive you. Using positive language can help you create rapport, trust, and interest, and convey your enthusiasm and professionalism. Positive language includes words and phrases that are polite, respectful, affirming, and solution-oriented. For example, instead of saying "I'm sorry to bother you", you can say "Thank you for your time". Instead of saying "No problem", you can say "My pleasure".

6 Seek feedback

The final tip to conquer phone anxiety and rejection fears is to seek feedback from your peers, managers, or mentors. Feedback can help you improve your phone etiquette, skills, and results, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can ask for feedback on your script, your pitch, your tone, your handling of objections, or any other aspect of your cold calling. You can also record your calls and listen to them later, or join a group or community of cold callers who can support and advise you.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?