I began my coaching career helping people overcome their fears in order to accomplish what they want to in their careers or lives. "It's okay to be afraid," I tell my clients, "But if this is your dream, you have to do it anyway." You may not be able to stop the fear, but you can change your reaction to it.

Nothing holds entrepreneurs back from growing their businesses more than fear—fear of asking clients if they want to use our services; fear of asking for a testimonial or referral; fear of appearing foolish when we speak in public, write or make conversation in a networking situation and fear of being rejected when we call someone on the phone.

So, we tell ourselves that we hate marketing and selling our services, that these activities are difficult, manipulative and sleazy. We're forced by financial pressures to conduct sales and marketing activities, and our reluctance, awkwardness and discomfort make prospects uncomfortable as well. That causes our efforts to fail—a self-fulfilling prophecy.