Is there a name for a fear of making business-related phone calls?

Question

I become very nervous and sometimes afraid about making calls to businesses, even just to order a pizza. I hate phone conversations that aren't personal. I will try my best to avoid having to make or answer such calls. And when I do have to, I am uncomfortable.

These things are not outwardly obvious, but inwardly... my heart races. Is there a name for this?

(Paradoxically, I am a total chatterbox and social butterfly when it comes to talking to friends and meeting new people in INFORMAL settings...)

I looked at that list. It wasn't there. Way to be helpful. (not.)

eric, I appreciate your effort. Very well though-out answer. But I do not believe that's correct. I know myself to be very intelligent. But I have always hated behaving in a way that I perceive as "fake." And I suppose that in my mind, most business and structured social atmospheres are fake. People don't communicate honestly; and that is what I am *wonderful* at. I'm a terrible liar. I often feel that to succeed in the business world you must lie and kiss butt (both of with are "fake" things to do). I've seen lots of successful people do both...

Um, excuse me? I did not "admit I was a liar and lie in business conversations." I said the exact opposite. Do people not even read the question before answering? Dang...

(That last part was for "Goldenrain.")

Answer 1

I couldn't find anything in the list of phobias related to your fear. Although I had that kind of fear when I first started my employment. I feared that I would seem unprofessional to the person at the other end of the line. As much as possible, like you said, I don't like any one of our clients to be calling me or me calling them. But somehow I've finally overcome that fear.

Yeah, you probably worry that you might seem unprofessional to the person at the other end.

Answer 2

"Social" interactions are generally more carefree and freestyle, with no prescribed structure or purpose other than to share each other's thoughts, feelings and companionship. "Business" interactions are the opposite, tending to be more purposeful and structured and formal. It is not unusual that you are far more comfortable with the social ones, most of us are. What may help you is to try to bring some of the aspects of your social interactions into your business transactions, reminding yourself that though the purpose of the conversation is business, it is still nonetheless a personal interaction with another individual and it is perfectly acceptable to be the warm, friendly outgoing person you otherwise are. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Hey, I'm just the opposite. Business calls are all they are--business, no big deal. Since you admit you are a liar and lie in business conversations, that could be your problem--afraid you'll be found out (caught in your own lie). I hope you have heard the phrase: oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.

The truth will set you free. I hope you change your ways.

Answer 4

Your fear stems from your subconscious belief that business people are somehow smarter than you. Perhaps it stems from a childhood experience in which you were made to feel ignorant in a business environment. Outwardly you know yourself to be rather intelligent, but subconsciously you are not as sure of yourself. Businesses conversations over the phone, do not allow others to get to know you as well, and thus subconsciously you fear they may think you are stupid, where as in social settings people have an opportunity to get to know you better, which relaxes that hidden belief.

Answer 5

I'm afraid of butterflies.
.
.
and I'm afraid of that phobialist web site too.

It scared me.
.
.

Answer 6

Go to this website. It lists every type of phobia imaginable.

http://www.phobialist.com/

I am sure you will find the name of your fear on their long list of phobias. Good luck.

Answer 7

mb fear allergy

http://cutepiggy.com/bbc_mistakes_cabbie_for_tech.html