Don’t let nerves take over.

Since I was a child, I have developed a fear of talking to strangers on the phone.  I really couldn’t explain why. I became uncomfortable, restless, and nervous.  My voice starts shaking and palms begin sweating.  Weird, I know. You’re probably thinking I was crazy for caring who is on the other line and believing I’m being judged on my delivery, but I couldn’t help it.

I remember in my interview with my now supervisor, Joanne Marder, my phone skills were questioned.  I was in the moment and responded, “Not a problem, I talk on the phone all the time…” to my friends. And so, let the stressing begin.

My first assignment here at March of Dimes was organizing the auction contacts and items we had already received.  I thought this is great, maybe Joanne forgot that I said I was “comfortable” on the phone. And so I continued to work on excel sheets and make sponsorship packets for meetings.  Until the second week, Joanne called me to her office and brought up the “forgotten” subject.  Once again, I fibbed a bit, but this time it was because I felt I had some growing up to do.  How hard can it be?

I took my list of contacts and confidently walked back to my office, shut the door, and took a deep breath.  “You can do this,” I told myself as I reached for the phone.  Before I knew it, I was receiving positive attitudes on the other end, taking my confidence higher and higher.

When you care about your future career, put all nerves aside and go for it.  I knew I had to step up to the plate and conquer one of my biggest fears. And I’m glad I did.  I began receiving donation offers left and right.  Now, my daily routine involves calling for donations whether it be a celebrity, restaurant, or retail store, doesn’t matter to me.

Talking on the phone is one of the many accomplishments I have received while working with March of Dimes and definitely is one lesson I’ll always take with me.