"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.
efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..What does it take to grow a business and run... Read More
Sometimes when you run a business you feel as lonely... Read More
Increase your profit potential by identifying ? and avoiding ?... Read More
Are you a home or small business owner and you're... Read More
There are both fixed and mobile detailers. Consumers often will... Read More
One of the best ways to make money in the... Read More
I have a confession to make. My name is Caroline... Read More
When working from home, it is usual to find that... Read More
Q. I am a former pastor who left the ministry... Read More
Concrete Roof Tile Business: During the 2004 summer season, storms... Read More
There are almost as many opinions and views on marketing... Read More
The day care industry is expanding. There are now more... Read More
Why should you always maintain a good report with a... Read More
Microfiber cleaning towels have been around for about ten years... Read More
Never underestimate the power of perception! Perception plays a major... Read More
It's obvious when a small business has accepted the fact... Read More
Why would you use an event pass?Event passes are often... Read More
By outsourcing to skilled professionals you'll be able to grow... Read More
Tammy, a skilled and gifted horticulturist, called me to discuss... Read More
A corporate shell could be liken to a house that... Read More
Owning a business is a challenging endeavor. If you're like... Read More
There are many little details that go into making sure... Read More
There are many factors to be considered when you are... Read More
Franchising Directory Sites-Paid Advertising, Lead Generation for FranchisingFranchising Directory Sites... Read More
The easiest way to lift profits is to cut the... Read More
scheduled maid service Park Ridge ..Have you been searching for the perfect home-based business? I... Read More
Do you like animals? Would you like to work for... Read More
Early in my career, I wrote an article for a... Read More
If a customer owes your local business money, it's hard... Read More
For the employees, payday is the brightest day; they finally... Read More
Setting priorities in your business? Your first job is to... Read More
Support is critical for your small business survival. You may... Read More
So it's time to invest some finances into advertising your... Read More
Sometimes when you run a business you feel as lonely... Read More
Think the best way to get more customers is to... Read More
Why Alliances FailWhen do you know an alliance is falling... Read More
Many small business startups fail within the first 2 years... Read More
Some of the greatest words of wisdom for any man... Read More
Do you have all the customers your business can use?The... Read More
Office support services can range from basic data entry to... Read More
Why? Because they have access to world class public relations... Read More
Discover How Specialized Cost Containment Creates A New Win-Win Position... Read More
What is a guru?A guru is a teacher. A mentor.... Read More
1. Resolve to build a consistent network system.Since referrals are... Read More
Washing the exterior of a truck. Sounds easy right? Well,... Read More
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PRICINGIn case you hadn't noticed, people can... Read More
If you're serious about wanting to start a business, the... Read More
Every employee would like to earn as high a salary... Read More
We are noticing an increase in the length of time... Read More
Pardon my enthusiasm, but a large part of your small... Read More
Small Business |