Waiting for “Subway 52” and don’t know how to get on? Fear of speaking can affect business success. You will eventually lose momentum to sustain higher achievements if you settle with the every day coffee and donuts.

In November of 2004, I launched OCI3MEDIA solely depending on online communication; such as email or instant messaging, to build clientele and maintain business growth. While triumphing over closing multiple contracts and a semi-successful year, I realize the fear of speaking was causing me to lose valuable opportunities for visibility in the business community. Stepping up to the plate and using vocal power only seemed like a dead end turn I needed to face. Conducting business phone calls even left my limbs shaking. Sooner than later I had to find a solution to transform fear of speaking into a “moving mobile billboard”.

Keep in mind that future profit potential of any business is assessed through effective speaking. You demonstrate verbally to potential customers what you can do and how you can help them. Having a professional visible presence is valued more than just sounding good on paper.

The Boiling Pot…

One day I received a call from the Executive Director, Shirlene Anderson of the Atlanta Fulton Family Connection who asked me to speak at one of their collaborative meetings and deliver an effective Web presentation that we worked so hard on for the organization. At that moment, the thought of speaking in front of a group of 60 partners caused my heart to beat rapidly and I broke out in pure sweat. Does this sound familiar? Fear had taken its toll on me.

Point Taken…

• It can pose a major detriment to career advancement or to promoting your business

Finding You…

There are many excellent programs offered that assist individuals needing help to overcome this fear. One particular program I would like to mention is “Toastmasters” (www.toastmasters.org). At Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive environment. From my own experience to reduce the fear of speaking and improve business communications skills, a spiritual rodeo was in order. I had to seek a more profound level of guidance and focus on my walk with God in business along with a few reminders and steps you may find useful listed below:

• Nervousness is natural and to be expected.
• Learn to recognize the symptoms and manage them.
• Be the expert - know your business.
• Boost your self-confidence and motivation.
• Gain experience - step out and just do it.

Returned Benefits…

• New found confidence in business
• A successful career

Ms L. Benjamin is the CIO & Founder of OCI3MEDIA (Out-Sourced Creative Integration), a Web and Graphic design company located in Snellville, Georgia and can be reached at 678-760-8183 or lnbenjamin@hotmail.com. She is currently maintaining an online African-American business community, www.partofdot.com. For more information, please visit her web site at: www.oci3.com.

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