Reach Out! You Have Nothing to Lose
I am very shy person. During my teenage years, I did not dare to talk to the girl that I like. I enjoy working alone, that's why I choose computer science as my choice of career.
When I started my own business, I have to change. I could not rely on e-mails as business deals are never win through e-mails. I forced myself to cold-call potential customers. Learn how to talk to strangers. More importantly, ask for the deal.
Building up the courage to ask and reach out is one of the most difficult things that I have to do. I still struggle with it. I powered through the fear is because if I do not open my mouth, I will have no money to put food on table. Feeding the family is what kept me going.
I do not have a short cut or a quick fix for you. One thing that I learned which applies to you is that we have nothing to lose. If we do not reach out or ask for what we want, we are destined not to get what we want. If we do ask, there is a slight chance that we can get it. Therefore, we have more upside than downside.
If you are struggling in talking to strangers or closing the deal. Just tell yourself this, you have nothing to lose.