"The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear". -- William Jennings Bryan
Whether you're generally a self-confident person, or someone continually plagued by self- doubt, you'll recognize some of these confidence killers if you:
? Are overly dependent on the thoughts or opinions of others;
? Avoid meeting new people because you're afraid you won't fit in, be liked, or be accepted;
? Focus on unrealistic expectations ("I must do each job perfectly"; "If one person is unhappy then I have failed");
? Have an 'all-or-nothing' attitude;
? Pay heed to the internal and external naysayer;
? Use the word SHOULD most often in relationship to your business;
? Assume that if you don't get the client, they didn't like you;
? Assume that you must be as talkative, outgoing, friendly, smart, old, young, educated, attractive, as someone else in order to succeed;
? Avoid implementing new ideas because they may not work;
? Can recount all your shortcomings each day.
Bankers will tell you that businesses fail because of lack of money. I assert that lack of money can be traced, in part, to a lack of confidence. As a trainer, motivator and a coach I see first hand the affect that confidence has on an individual's or a group's success. By and large confidence grows from each small success that an individual takes towards reaching a goal. That is why I ask you to focus so much on goals and visions! When you know where you're going, you're going to gather the tools and information you need to reach your destination.
Your Turn - Prepare to overcome your fear.
? Make a list of your personal confidence killers. Be as concise as possible.
? Now make a list of ways that preparation can help you overcome your confidence killer.
? Take the steps you outlined in section 2 above and write out solutions to your confidence killers.
Lifestyle and mindset.
1. Who do you know that is successful or exudes self-confidence? What are the specific attributes they have that contribute to your perception of them? Write down those attributes and find ways to incorporate them into your daily routine.
2. Find a mentor or a coach whose goal is to see you succeed
3. Say goodbye to the 'naysayers' in your life. Likely you have one or two people who tell you that "you'll never make money walking dogs," or something similar. At this point in your career, ignore them. They may motivate you to prove them wrong, but spending too much time with people who don't believe in you and your goals is a major confidence killer. Ask them to keep their thoughts to themselves or move on without them.
4. Become self-aware. Pay attention to the ways in which you talk to yourself. Are you constantly putting yourself down, or saying you're sorry? Stop it! You are the best YOU possible! What you can provide to your customers and their pets is unparalleled!
5. Commit to learn. Is your confidence killer public speaking? Then enroll in a Toastmasters Group or sign up for an adult education course on public speaking. You'll meet new people who are struggling to overcome the same confidence killer you are - and you'll thrive on each small success - both theirs and yours. Whatever your Confidence Killer is - educate yourself to overcome it!
6. Look the part. If your confidence waivers because you think you look too young or too old (or too something else) to run a business, then find ways to look the part you want to play. If you doubt that you would believe YOU as a business owner, ask yourself why. When you've determined what your concerns are, find ways to address them by either altering your dress, your presentation or your phone demeanor. Looking the part is not being fake--it's putting the best you possible forward. While it's an unscientific study, I do know that I scored better on tests in college when I was showered and neatly dressed for the exam!
7. Have some fun. It's your business and you are good at it so why not enjoy it and compliment yourself for all the things you do well? When you have fun, everyone will assume you are self-confident and happy and they will want to be with you!
"Watch your manner of speech if you wish to develop a peaceful state of mind. Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful." -- Norman Vincent Peale
Peggie Arvidson-Dailey is the founder of Pet Care Business University and the Pet-Care Business Success System?. She is the author of several articles on small business success and has been radio guest on "This Week in Small Business" on the topic of Customer Satisfaction. As a trainer and coach she has helped people across the country create and build the pet-care business of their dreams. Visit http://www.peggiespets.com for more information.
Are you a motivational speaker who consistently gets rave reviews... Read More
The day care industry is expanding. There are now more... Read More
You may be in Mail Order, Direct Mail, or you... Read More
"The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing... Read More
We all know how glorious those first warm days of... Read More
How do you find the best business partners?Finding a good... Read More
In the first article we mentioned the main characteristics that... Read More
When you hear the word "success" does it bring on... Read More
If you're serious about wanting to start a business, the... Read More
The Federal Trade Commission is assisting competitor to cheat and... Read More
Remember the cleaning business is all about time ratio to... Read More
Many people ask how many graphs or charts they should... Read More
The temporary staffing industry continues to expand, with yearly double-digit... Read More
To get approval for your small business loan application, you... Read More
That sizzling sound you're hearing may be a symptom of... Read More
The Federal Trade Commission which governs the franchise industry thru... Read More
Should you buy a business opportunity or Franchise if you... Read More
Hi, Charles...here, Your Cap and t-shirt guy From Texas. How... Read More
My 16 year-old daughter said, "Gee Dad! You look just... Read More
No matter type of business you operate you've got to... Read More
Most small business owners are faced with so many responsibilities... Read More
Hogwash!That's what I say to people who tell me that... Read More
As stability emerges in the Middle East there will be... Read More
Are you a home or small business owner and you're... Read More
I have to admit, I was curious. When I saw... Read More
How do you sponsor an event and get personal introductions... Read More
Last week's question from Anthony R. on how to choose... Read More
As a business owner, you already know how important it... Read More
Gather round while I tell you the story of Kennebec... Read More
For really tough boat hull cleaning you will need to... Read More
What image do you and your people portray to your... Read More
The book, "Become the Squeaky Wheel," by New Hampshire author... Read More
Business Process Automation or BPA for short. This was a... Read More
KEEPING INTEREST HIGH: Supervision is key to the success of... Read More
TACTIC #1 -- Never simply slash your prices, unless you're... Read More
In the summer, I can't drive two blocks without seeing... Read More
Many physical therapists in private practice have the appearance of... Read More
Writing a business plan for your Solo Entrepreneur business doesn't... Read More
No matter type of business you operate you've got to... Read More
You've probably heard the statistic that 95% of small businesses... Read More
Many investors and business ethics professionals are calling for more... Read More
No, I'm not talking about gambling or dairy cows ?... Read More
What are the best methods for keeping a good business... Read More
Most small businesses incorporated in 2005 will fail by the... Read More
Would you rather have one good client paying you five... Read More
You can provide affordable health care plans to your employees.... Read More
Q: A friend told me that as a woman of... Read More
Buyers want both online and local information about where to... Read More
I meet and talk to hundreds and hundreds of business... Read More
There is significant competition in auto detailing and car washing.... Read More
To maximum potential profits and dollars in a mobile washing... Read More
Just recently, I took a break and caught "The Return... Read More
Why are we over regulation the franchising industry, what purpose... Read More
As a company grows, the owner's role begins to change.... Read More
Ok, you have successfully accomplished your dream of being the... Read More
What is a guru?A guru is a teacher. A mentor.... Read More
In a perfect world, starting a small business would be... Read More
Those who are in the pressure washer business should not... Read More
An observation while returning home from a seminar: Getting away... Read More
Data. Most people think it is a term relegated to... Read More
When small businesses fail, the wreckage is often assigned to... Read More
I love lists. I make them for everything. And I'm... Read More
If you discovered the bottom line in your business depended... Read More
Ongoing support for a franchise system is omnipotent. A major... Read More
You bet a name is important. Many small business owners... Read More
Under the Securities Act of 1933, any offer to sell... Read More
Small Business |