No one likes to dine alone in public.
It’s uncomfortable. It’s easy to be self-conscious. It’s like being on an island.
After all, everyone around is staring and thinking, “Why is that person eating by themselves? Don’t they have any friends?”
Actually, not really. No one cares. If they do, they have WAY too much time on their hands.
We just think this way because, well, dining alone feels weird.
OK, here’s an easy solution: Next time you’re in this spot, why not walk up to the nearest table of diners, introduce yourself, and take a seat?
Say it out loud: Are you &%*$# kidding?
No one would do this. If they did, they would automatically receive the CCC Blue Badge of Courage (awarded to a remarkably small number of recipients, by the way … and if you’re wondering what the “CCC” stands for, stick around).
But, why won’t we join that table of other diners? For all we know, they might be an outrageously friendly bunch just waiting for a complete stranger to join them.
The answer is simple: human nature. Deep, innate forces hold us back. We, as humans, are simply not wired to approach people we don’t know and strike up a conversation.
It’s why, at many networking events, you’ll see people who obviously know each other clustered and chatting. It’s comfortable. They’re safe.
For those willing to venture beyond the realm of those they know, the allotted time at a networking event only allows for making so many new contacts. These are cursory introductions, too.
Getting to know someone requires a follow-up meeting. More time is invested. How much can you afford?
For salespeople with ambitious goals, time is limited. Networking will only take you so far. At some point, you have to pick up the phone and make the dreaded … (ominous organ music here) … cold call.
“Ewwww!” you might be thinking. “Do I really have to?”
Let’s cut to the chase. VERY few people look forward to cold calling.
The reason is easy, once again: You’re fighting human nature. It’s really hard. You’re approaching an unfamiliar table of diners and asking, “Can I sit down?”
How can you get past this natural reluctance? What does it take? Is it even possible to overcome human nature?
“Overcome” might be the wrong term. Let’s try “adjust.” And yes, it’s possible.
The first step is rethinking your notion of cold calling. The Cold Call Coach (the mysterious “CCC!”) can help. You see, we were once there ourselves. Cold calling was drudgery … until we adjusted our outlook, developed a strategy, and turned it into a productive sales tool.
We even learned to look forward to approaching that table of strangers. You can, too. Wouldn’t that beat dining alone?
If you would like some company at your table, give us a call today at 414-313-8338 and we’d be happy to provide you with some companionship!
