Successful small business owners come from all backgrounds and experience, but there is one common thread that runs through almost every single one -- confidence. Here are three reasons why confidence can help you succeed.
Confidence Fosters Trust
It's hard to trust someone who doesn't believe they can handle it. If you present yourself as a completely together, on-the-ball professional, you'll make it easier for your clients and customers to trust you, your company and your products/services.
Confidence Makes Risk-Taking Easier
You already know that small business success means taking calculated risks. Having confidence backing your risky decisions will make it easier for you to measure opportunities and make smart choices.
Confidence is Contagious
When you see the benefits of confidence in your business, it will trickle into your personal life and overall attitude, and eventually get absorbed by those around you. A win for everyone.
For a great example of how confidence can lead you to success, watch Kimberly Reiner's small business video. In her words, "If you don't believe in yourself, and if you don't believe in your idea and your product, no one else is going to believe in you."
Confidence in your business, your services and your ability to provide something better than anyone else can put you on the path to achieving great things. How has confidence helped you in your business?
Photo (c) Sarej
Back in 2005, after earning my GED, I began studying graphic design at Erie Community College. It was a battle though. The VESID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities) program had me very close to taking a dish washing job. I nipped that in the bud by enrolling myself for GED classes. I just barely earned my GED and I had no money for higher education. VESID reluctantly allowed me to be enrolled as a student at ECC. At the time, my work in computer graphics was all done in the Microsoft Paint program. When I showed some of my work to the VESID counselor, he said “I didn’t see you do that.” I told him “I’m going to show you what my next project will be.” I had a magazine with me that had articles about Johnny Cash. I showed the guy a picture of J C and said I will bring my Bitmap version in next time.
It was difficult for me as a student because I have a severe hearing imparement. And no, I did not finish with a degree in graphic design. I left school at what would have been the begining of this year’s Fall semester. But I did learn a lot in my time there. Math has always been a huge problem for me, but there were other issues (that I won’t go all into). The bottom line is that I have aquired enough knoledge and skills to become a freelance graphic designer. I have real-world design projects in my portfolio (some payed – some not), and enough self confidence to be competetive in the market. I am now proficient with programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
You can visit my web site or my Facebook page to see
samples of my work.
Jim,
That is a very inspiring story. Thank you for sharing it. What is the url to your portfolio?
Mary Jo, just click his name to go to his website.
I can testify to the importance of confidence. I’ve seen its effect in co-workers and myself. Confidence and a good work ethic are crucial to success.