Thread: What's the skill you struggle with most?

Originally Posted by LIGHTWEIGHT

However, I still won't ever cold call someone. I think it is a mental block from my past, but I always prefer the marketing avenue to get business rather than cold calling. Even if someone calls me, I have no issues. It is just me calling them to sell something I cannot do. That is a huge roadblock for me.

Interesting I agree with all of this but I've never been socially nervous. I'm always the one networking, throwing/organizing parties, in the middle of everything, etc. I'm just not a pushy "salesman". Once the first step is taken I'm much better off, or as you said if a call is incoming. But that first step is a big one.

I absolutely love public speaking, if I could make a solid company out of it I would!

I never know when to walk away or to stop flogging a dead horse.

Originally Posted by Hollywood85

Interesting I agree with all of this but I've never been socially nervous. I'm always the one networking, throwing/organizing parties, in the middle of everything, etc. I'm just not a pushy "salesman". Once the first step is taken I'm much better off, or as you said if a call is incoming. But that first step is a big one.

Exactly man! I'm not pushy when it comes to sales either. The first step is huge, but I'm like you in that once the first step is taken I really excel.

Originally Posted by LIGHTWEIGHT

being too nice/not laying down the law when need be.

I have confrontation issues, but I have gotten a lot better with confronting by setting personal goals. Not much else I can do :/

Same I'm too nice, bothers me sometimes.

i can't be a kiss ass and small talk with bosses and back staying coworkers, a lot of people get ahead at work just buy kissing ass and getting ahead.

i am in, do my job, and I'm out

Originally Posted by Hollywood85

I have a hard time picking up the phone and just making a call (especially if it's a cold call). Once I'm on the phone with someone everything flows, I have a lot of public speaking experience, but that initial contact hurts my productivity. Maybe it's fear of rejection. Either way I need to become more tenacious!

Great thread.

I have this issue too... I will put off phone calls for an absurdly long time, but once I actually make the call, it's never gone badly.

And relatedly, I tend to think I'm more socially awkward and bad at speaking than I actually am. I can get along with anyone, talk with unfamiliar people, and am consistently told I do a good job at speaking... despite often feeling like I am coming across as awkward.

Patience.

If things are not moving at a pace that I find acceptable; I can be very hard on people. I have to work hard not to damage relationships because I drive hard and sometimes lack patience...

Keeping emotion out is one of the toughest things....

You have to have a passion for what you do, but you have to know when to hide or not show also, and that can be tough.

Originally Posted by Hollywood85

I have a hard time picking up the phone and just making a call (especially if it's a cold call). Once I'm on the phone with someone everything flows, I have a lot of public speaking experience, but that initial contact hurts my productivity. Maybe it's fear of rejection. Either way I need to become more tenacious!

Same, my coworkers tell me, it doesn't matter who is on the other line, they don't know you and after the call if it goes wrong they won't remember you. The rejection hurts, but it really shouldn't, its not like I know them, or its going be publicized. I'm getting a little better at the calls, but I don't think its a skill I will ever master. (I am also told this negative mindset going into cold calls is not good!)