Overcoming Fear in Business: A Personal Journey

This article chronicles the personal journey of a successful business founder who conquered one of his biggest fears: public speaking. He shares his experience of avoiding interviews and opportunities due to fear, eventually realizing that his fear was holding him back from growing his business and achieving success.

• The author initially avoided interviews and speaking engagements, fearing public scrutiny and judgment.
• He admits to making excuses and dodging opportunities that involved public speaking, ultimately realizing this pattern was harmful to his business growth.
• He finally decided to face his fear and agreed to be interviewed on Mixergy, a popular platform for entrepreneurs.

The Fear of Public Speaking: A Common Business Challenge

The author acknowledges that public speaking is a common fear for many entrepreneurs and business professionals, despite being seemingly irrational in the modern world. He highlights the importance of understanding and confronting these fears to unlock potential and achieve greater success in business.

• Public speaking is a fear that many entrepreneurs share, despite being perceived as irrational.
• Other common business fears include selling, hiring, firing, server outages, and travel anxiety.
• Overcoming these fears is crucial for progress and achieving business goals.

Confronting Fear: The Power of Walking Through the Fire

The author advocates for a proactive approach to overcoming fear, urging readers to "walk through the fire," meaning to confront their fears directly and experience the potential outcomes firsthand. He shares how this method worked for him and encourages others to adopt it.

• The only cure for fear is to confront it head-on, even if it seems daunting.
• The author's experience shows that fear often subsides once confronted directly.
• This method can be applied to any type of fear, from public speaking to business challenges.

The Mixergy Interview: A Turning Point

The author recounts his Mixergy interview, describing his initial anxiety and how it quickly dissipated once he started speaking. He emphasizes the importance of pushing through fear and the potential for personal growth and success that comes from overcoming it.

• The author's Mixergy interview was a pivotal moment in his journey to conquer his fear of public speaking.
• The interview was a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience, showcasing the benefits of confronting fear.
• The author acknowledges the potential of public speaking for both personal and business growth.

Advice from Andrew Warner: A Roadmap for Success

The author shares valuable advice from Andrew Warner, the interviewer on Mixergy, who encourages him to continue practicing and developing his public speaking skills. This section provides practical tips and encouragement for aspiring speakers and entrepreneurs.

• Andrew Warner advises the author to gain experience through smaller interviews, building confidence and expertise over time.
• He emphasizes the importance of humanizing the brand and building connections through personal storytelling.
• Andrew's guidance offers a roadmap for aspiring speakers to overcome their fears and develop their skills.

Goal Setting for Business Success: Facing Your Fears

The author encourages readers to identify and confront their fears, setting goals that push them beyond their comfort zones. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and the potential for personal and business growth that comes from conquering fear.

• The author's personal experience demonstrates the power of goal setting and taking action to overcome fear.
• He inspires readers to identify their own fears and make a commitment to confront them.
• The author emphasizes that growth and success are often found outside of comfort zones.