[sh1mmer]

I've experienced this in my professional career too. When I started being a full time technology evangelist I hardly applied to speak at conferences. Rejection was hard and I just assumed I wouldn't be able to get into a large conference.

It turns out the best approach is just to apply to lots of conferences and build your confidence and skills. Out of the many rejections will come some opportunities to improve and build confidence. After a while the confidence and experiences start to show in your work and then people recognize that.

Two years later I get invited to conferences. All because I overcame my hesitation to try.