I have this money making idea that involves cold-calling businesses. It should be easy because I'm offering them something really cool for free in hopes of an up-sell. I need the money badly. Rent day is creeping up on me, and I need to make this happen, like, today.

I'm sure that if I made ten calls today, I would get at least one taker. The problem is that I'm terrified of making the calls. Of course I know that the worst thing that can happen is that they'll say no. Of course I know that I'll get 10-20 "not interested" for every, "Sure, we'll take the free _______." (No, it's not a free consultation. It's something every business needs and few have... no, it's not a website. Stop guessing already. I'm not giving up the goods.)

No matter what I do, I can't bring myself to make that first call. It's totally irrational. I suck at calling people, always have.

What's wrong with me? The rent isn't going to pay itself. The word "no" is not particularly offensive to me. But my palms get sweaty and my throat tightens up when I pick up the phone and dial the number of my prospect. So far I haven't been able to dial the last digit and make the call.

Ugh. Of all the phobias, why this? If I were afraid of rabbits, that wouldn't be so bad. This is crippling.

Sorry if that didn't help anybody. It wasn't entertaining or informative. I guess I'm asking for advice from any of the 17 people who read this blog; that is, if you're not comment-phobic.