Yesterday I followed the advice given me the day before and reached out to the department chair at a university that I am hoping can and will help me with a project for VineSleuth/ Wine4.Me.
In following that advice, though, I had to face one of my fears head on and conquer it. Twice.
I felt tongue-tied. My heart was racing. I even could swear I was a bit sweaty by the time the whole thing was finished. But I did it.
Some people have a fear of public speaking. Not me.
Some people have a fear of travel by themselves or navigating a foreign city solo. Nope, that’s not me, either.
Ask me to call someone on the telephone that I do not know to ask a favor or introduce myself and, well, you got me. That’s my ridiculous scary place.
I remember years ago, in my first weeks as the Public Relations Manager at the Children’s Museum of Houston. My boss, the PR Director, instructed me to call the Houston Chronicle gossip columnist, Maxine Mesinger, and talk with her about mentioning our gala chairs’ names in her column.
I was terrified, but I knew the call had to be made. I procrastinated for a few minutes, went and got some water and then decided I should just get it over with.
I dialed her number and listened to the ringing. I began to think that perhaps she wouldn’t answer and then I wouldn’t have to talk with her. If that were to happen, our chairs might not get coverage, and my goal as PR Manager was to secure coverage. But at least I wouldn’t have to talk to Maxine Mesinger whose columns I remembered my parents reading to each other. Maxine Mesinger who was a LEGEND. Maxine Mesinger who answered the phone while I was on the other end! Aackkkk!
“Hi, I’m Amy, the new PR Manager at the Children’s Museum…” I began. And she listened. And she made polite conversation with me. And I lived. And she talked about our gala and chairs in her column soon after our call! Wooo-Hooo! She continued to cover Children’s Museum society events during my time at the museum and, when I got engaged, she even announced my engagement in her column. (I think my mom thought I had ‘arrived’ at that point.) I must not be that bad on the phone, or else all of that wouldn’t have happened. Unless she pitied me, but I doubt that was the case.
So fast-forward nearly 20 years and today I still get nervous dialing someone new for the first time. I know it is silly, but it is still true.
As the phone rang on my first call today I re-rehearsed what I wanted to say and thought about the fact that now, with caller ID, once the number is dialed there really is no going back without looking like a fool. The line rang and rang and I began planning my voice mail message. Soon I was delivering it and then hanging up. I survived. And I hoped for a call back.
Then I did a little more searching online and found another person who could also prove to be a great partner and help. I dialed her number, a little high on the victory of surviving my first call, recalling my survival on so many other similar calls through the years, and hoped for the best. And you know what? She answered and was encouraging and offered support and great advice.
Guess I need to get over that ridiculous fear of mine. Until then, I just hope that whoever is on the line cannot hear my heart pounding through the phone as I introduce myself because I have no doubt that I have a LOT more calls to make in my future. My business is likely depending on it.
What about you?
Do you think I’m crazy to get nervous on introductory phone calls? Do you think I’ll ever get over it? What things make you all crazy nervous?
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