In business, it’s easy to gravitate toward what feels safe, familiar, and comfortable. But true growth? That lies in the uncomfortable. It’s in the activities that make your stomach churn and your palms sweat—the ones you know will push you forward, even if they’re not your first choice.

Here are a few uncomfortable activities that, while challenging, can have a major impact on your business and personal development:

1. Networking in Unfamiliar Circles
Walking into a room where you know no one can be intimidating, but it’s also where the magic happens. Meeting people outside your usual circles can open doors to opportunities, partnerships, and fresh perspectives. Growth doesn’t happen in an echo chamber—it thrives when you expand your network.

2. Public Speaking
For many, speaking in front of a group ranks as one of their biggest fears. Yet, sharing your expertise publicly builds credibility, boosts confidence, and positions you as a leader in your field. Start small, with local groups or webinars, and watch as your comfort zone expands.

3. Asking for Feedback
Requesting feedback on your work or leadership style can feel vulnerable, but it’s essential for growth. Constructive criticism from trusted peers or employees helps you identify blind spots and refine your approach. Remember, feedback is a gift that, when embraced, can lead to significant improvement.

4. Confronting Difficult Conversations
Whether it’s addressing underperformance, renegotiating a contract, or asking for what you’re worth, tough conversations are inevitable in business. Facing them head-on with clarity and respect builds stronger relationships and demonstrates your leadership.

5. Trying (and Failing at) New Strategies
Experimentation often comes with failure, and failure isn’t fun. But in every failed attempt is a lesson that sharpens your skills, hones your instincts, and guides you closer to success. The most innovative businesses are built on a foundation of trial and error.

6. Investing in Yourself
Spending time and money on personal development, like coaching, workshops, or certifications, can feel indulgent. But these investments often yield the highest returns. When you grow as a person, your business grows alongside you.

7. Letting Go of Control
Delegating tasks or letting go of a process you’ve always managed yourself can be tough. But trusting your team and focusing on higher-level strategy are key to scaling and achieving your long-term goals.

​Embrace the Discomfort
Uncomfortable activities are a lot like exercise: they’re hard in the moment, but the results are worth it. Growth comes from stretching yourself—mentally, emotionally, and professionally.
So, what uncomfortable step will you take today to grow your business tomorrow?

Thriving in sales means more than just closing deals—it’s about building and maintaining meaningful relationships that drive long-term growth. The key to success lies in leveraging digital environments effectively, especially when focusing on organic connections.

Here are five essential strategies for sales professionals to master the art of relationship-building in the digital age.

1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Presence
LinkedIn is the powerhouse platform for professionals, making it your digital storefront.

• Action Plan: Update your profile to reflect your personal brand—use a professional headshot, craft a compelling headline, and highlight your achievements in a way that speaks to your ideal clients.
• Engagement Tip: Post thought leadership content, share industry news, and engage with others’ posts. Organic connections thrive when you show value upfront.

2. Personalize Your Outreach
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all cold messages.

• Action Plan: When connecting digitally, customize your messages. Reference mutual connections, shared interests, or recent achievements. STAND OUT, but be YOURSELF.
• Engagement Tip: Instead of pitching right away, focus on how you can help solve a problem or add value. Find your GENUINE connection point, maybe you do not love to network to growth relationships, but lean into what you LOVE about humans.

3. Nurture Existing Relationships
Relationships don’t end after a handshake—or a LinkedIn connection.

• Action Plan: Regularly check in with your existing network. Use social media to interact with their content or send thoughtful messages to stay on their radar.
• Engagement Tip: Celebrate their wins, whether it’s a promotion, a new role, or an anniversary. Consistent, genuine engagement fosters trust.

4. Leverage Video Content
In a digital world, face-to-face communication is rare, but video bridges that gap.

• Action Plan: Use tools like Zoom, Vidyard or Loom (plenty of other tools to mention!) creating personalized video messages to introduce yourself or follow up after a meeting.
• Engagement Tip: Share short, authentic videos on social media showcasing your expertise or addressing common pain points in your industry.

5. Stay Active in Industry Groups
​Industry-specific groups on socials or forums are goldmines for finding and nurturing connections.

• Action Plan: Join groups relevant to your field and actively participate in discussions. Share your insights and learn from others.
• Engagement Tip: Don’t just promote yourself—build credibility by contributing value, answering questions, and supporting peers.

Digital environments are vast, but your focus should be on building genuine relationships that extend beyond the screen. By optimizing your presence, personalizing outreach, nurturing connections, leveraging video, and engaging in groups, you can organically grow your network and find success in today’s sales landscape.

💡 Pro Tip: Always prioritize authenticity—digital connections should feel as human as face-to-face interactions