Confidence = Preparation + Courage

It always amazes me when I see someone on television holding a press conference ? a lawyer outside a courtroom, a businessperson at the launch of a new product. Reporters ask hardball questions. The answers are given with conviction, without hesitation. The person being questioned exhibits supreme confidence. Where does that confidence come from? How do they get it? What lessons are there for those of us who also have to face difficult circumstances and need that same, high level of confidence?

You may be facing a difficult task. It might be something very unpopular. It might be something confrontational. It could be something you have never done before or puts you or your business at risk. It could be that you will have to make a speech in public. It is easy, under those circumstances, to hyperventilate, have sweaty palms and jittery knees. Whether it is making a sales presentation, implementing a new project, interviewing a prospective employee, disciplining someone, or having an argument with a vendor it will go so much better if you are confident of success.

That confidence comes from knowing the outcome you want to achieve, being prepared and being courageous. It comes from the inner knowledge that you are ready for the task at hand - you have done your homework, you have practiced, and you have looked for external contingencies that might otherwise interfere with your success. Knowing you have the courage to overcome your fears and dive in to the troubled waters of difficult or unpopular tasks bolsters your confidence.

Being prepared and courageous makes it easy to be confident and take on that task so, before embarking on any new venture, create a list of all the steps necessary to become as well prepared as possible. Go over your action steps and work through them one by one. Your list might be something simple with few steps that take just a short outline or it might be complex requiring many pages of notes, instructions, trainings, many meetings and practice sessions before you have the confidence to get on that path of success. Then square up your shoulders, take a deep breath, and go out there with confidence.

Larry Galler coaches and consults with high-performance executives, professionals, and small businesses since 1993. He is the writer of the long-running (every Sunday since November 2001) business column, "Front Lines with Larry Galler" Sign up for his free newsletter at http://www.larrygaller.com

Email Larry larry@larrygaller.com for more information.

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Double Your Income Automatically

It is a common known fact that it is far... Read More

7 Small Business and Self Employed Law of Attraction Principles For Success

It is widely held that one of the most important... Read More

Surviving the Three Pitfalls of Business Ownership

The morning sun sheds its brilliance and warmth... Read More

Differentiation ? Smart Marketing Strategies for the Solo Entrepreneur

Are you ever frustrated or hesitant when you talk to... Read More

Street Smarts Vs Book Smarts, What Does It Takes To Be An Entrepreneur

The latest series in "The Apprentice" features 2 distinct group... Read More

What It Takes To be An Entrepreneur Series: Action

Many people have the professed desire to be their own... Read More

Creativity & Entrepreneurship: The Creative Evolution of an Intellectual PropertyŠ

In each of us, there is a creative spark -... Read More

Think - Dont React

How you think, your relationship with yourself is what decides... Read More

Entrepreneurship Story; Over Regulation in Franchising Part I

Jim and Sally run a successful auto business, which they... Read More

Use Your Youth To Your Advantage

You should wait until you're older and have more business... Read More

How Much Risk is Necessary to Grow Your Business?

A business owner is thoroughly responsible for their own financial... Read More

Is Now the Right Time to Become An Entrepreneur?

A number of economic changes are magnifying the role of... Read More

Why I Should Go In To Business

Rohit Kochgaway was very upset with his boss for his... Read More

Financing Your Business

Anyone who is serious about making some money is already... Read More

From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur: Make Money Selling Info Products

The term "Infopreneur" is a relatively new industry buzz word... Read More

Methods of Generating New Ideas for Entrepreneurs

Summary: Even with a wide variety of sources available, coming... Read More

How Home-Based Business Entrepreneurs Think

Too many people are trying to start their home businesses... Read More

Bonsai Marketing

Site location analysis of regional service areas and planning for... Read More

Ten Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

Successful entrepreneurs have many traits in common. Here are ten... Read More

Business Startup Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to plan each step of your... Read More

Franchises - Emotional Fulfillment - The Challenge

Does A Franchise Meet Your Needs?Do you look forward to... Read More

Something From Nothing, With Something To Share

Betrayal, it can hit you like a load of bricks... Read More

Focus is the Key to a Successful Startup

The definition of a startup means you have very few... Read More

Delivery Companies Make the Grade

In the United States we have the most efficient delivery... Read More

The Risks of Entrepreneurship

The "spark" for many entrepreneurs is seeing an opportunity that... Read More

Entrepreneurial Business Plan The Down And Dirty Way

Does the idea of running your own business sound exciting?... Read More

Entrepreneurs Just Get Better With Age

Q: I'm thinking about starting a business after I retire... Read More

Lessons Learned from Successful Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are a special breed of high achievers. They create... Read More

Protect Your ASSets in Business

Many people are starting an online business without a thought... Read More

Franchises - A Proven Business System

Franchises offer the first time business owner a proven and... Read More

Rambling Confessions of a Recovering Entrepreneur

I told my family that I finally accepted that my... Read More

100% of Nothing

What would it be worth to you to receive a... Read More

Entrepreneurial Traits that Drive Sales

Frequently overlooked and hidden deep within our marketing tool box... Read More