Wake Up Call!

Some years ago I decided to leave the comfort of someone putting moey into my account every month and start my own business. I thought I was ready. I'd research the market, prepared a budget, set out the marketing plan - I was good to go, or so I thought.

Looking round for places and people who could help, I registered for a number of 'set up your own business' courses. I sat, I listened, I took notes - all was good until one of the course leaders asked the question,

"Which of you here believe you can sell?"

Looking round the room, there were various reactions. Some nodded wisely, fear and puzzlement. I fell into the last category. My thought process went like this:

• Yes, I can sell - I've made a career doing it. That's no problem.
• I used to teach selling for any sake. Of course I can sell.
• Hmm. That said - it's been a while.
• In fact, I can't remember the last time I face to faced with a client. I've had other people to do that.

My mind was now running at full speed. Panic was setting in. No sales, no customer, no business. With one question, my not yet luanched new business was in tatters. Woah, stop right there.

Self doubt had crept in, just for a moment, because I was out of practice. With the panic over, it did serve to remind to get all my notes out, book on a training course and get back into the one thing that likely before all else would be essential to the success of my business - selling.

Ever had that feeling?