"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.
" Einstein You've finally done it.
You took the all important first step and you are now in business for yourself - you are an Entrepreneur! As the wave of euphoria wears off and you look at all of the things you need to accomplish you are struck by a sobering realization - you need to talk to prospects and lead them towards a sale to be successful.
For many people - the great spirits out there - this is where things falter.
Whether the entrepreneur is in direct sales, services, or selling products the mass of 'nay sayers' will begin to line up and undermine your confidence in yourself.
It may be that members of your family (who are indoctrinated to believe that job = safety) will now start questioning you.
Your friends will assume that you are trying to 'sell' them and may begin to avoid you.
Neighbors will wonder why you left the 'safe' world of work to take the risks associated with becoming an entrepreneur.
I remember when I first tendered my resignation at IBM.
I was a global leader, managing a consulting practice across the world.
Yet I was not happy and was spending far too much time away from my children.
When I told my father that I was resigning and planning on setting out on my own, I thought he would drop on the spot.
When I ran into my physician at a local store and we were having a chat and I told him what I had done and what I was going to do he thought I was more than a little unstable and wondered what would possess me to make such a move.
He even suggested I talk to a counselor before I made such a drastic decision.
The bottom line was that I knew there was another way to make a contribution to society - a way that I could meet my needs while also contributing positive value to my community and my clients.
Was I afraid? Yes.
Did it stop me from talking to people? No.
I remember reading somewhere that the worst thing a person can say to your offer/sales pitch/invitation for a meeting is no.
At that point smile, thank them for their time (and not wasting yours - that's your inside voice) and move on to the next person.
Every 'no' or 'not right now' you hear just brings you closer to your next yes.
Does it matter if it takes five people? Ten people? Thirty people? No it does not.
Focusing on the positive - those few that are interested in you, your opportunity and your product/service - allows you to be much more productive with those that want to work with you.
It allows you to focus on other great spirits and avoid the mediocre minds.