Two proven ways to get over the fear of rejection

Here are two proven ways to get over the fear of rejection:

1. The “no” exercise. This is a great game, and I use it in my training classes. The objective is to go up to people and ask them for things, with the intent of getting a “no.” First we do it with the training participants. People go around the room making crazy requests:

– Can I borrow $100?

– Will you buy me dinner?

– Could you give me a couple of Superbowl tickets?

– I’d like to be President of your company for a day, okay?

Their goal is to get a “no.” That way, they see that a “no” is meaningless, and can even be fun. In fact, many participants note that when the pressure is off, they are actually even MORE influential. Even though they want a “no,” their partner often reports that he or she was tempted to give in.

We then repeat the exercise in the real world. During lunch and that night, participants have to go up to 10 people, make a crazy request, and get a “no” (without getting a punch in the nose or a harrassment lawsuit, of course).

It’s a great exercise. Give it a try today: Ask ten people for something, anything, and try to persuade them to agree, even though you know you’ll get turned down.

By the way, if you like this advice, could I request that you wire $25,000 to my bank account?:)

2. Another approach is simple: Pursue a goal way bigger and more important than selling web services. For instance, try to raise $100,000 to bring clean water technologies to one or more impoverished communities where potable water is in short supply.

When we take on big things like that, suddenly things like promoting your business seem small and easy.

So, will you try #1, #2, or both?