Networking Insight: Self-Confidence is a Must for Business and Personal Success

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Networking perspective based on experience and observation by relationship builder, Jason Jacobsohn

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February 19, 2008

Self-Confidence is a Must for Business and Personal Success

Self-confidence is a must for building relationships and becoming more successful. People want to do business with individuals who are confident. Why would you do business with people who are wishy-washy and not sure of themselves?

The following reasons can explain why people lack self-confidence:

1. Inexperienced so not yet comfortable with selling self and business

2. Don’t have confidence in self / don’t believe in self

3. Fear of rejection

4. Fear of success

5. Never given a chance to shine in career

6. Put too much pressure on self to succeed quickly / desperate to make a quick sale

7. Think negative about everything

How often do you notice some of the above when meeting people? Maybe you suffer from some of these issues as well. Regardless of what ailment you may have, you need to work on overcoming your challenges and start to think more positive about what you can achieve.

With enough experience and successes, you will naturally become self-confident. However, we all suffer from a lack of self-confidence at times regardless of how seasoned we are as professionals.

So, you need to continuously work on your confidence by trying some of below methods, which will make you feel better about yourself and your offering:

1. Become a subject matter expert in your industry so you will have the knowledge to talk to anyone about your company or expertise

2. Speak in front of groups about a topic that you have much knowledge about, which will make you more comfortable talking to people

3. Write articles for industry publications, which will open up opportunities for you

4. Publish your own blog that discusses your industry knowledge

5. Practice your personal introduction in front of friends or your spouse so you will become more comfortable introducing yourself to others

6. Find a mentor or confide in your existing mentor

Once we feel confident in ourselves, others will be more confident of our abilities as well. It is important to start with yourself before you can expect others to trust you.

You need to carry yourself in high regard and not let setbacks bring you down. Take every situation as a learning opportunity to become a stronger individual.

Just remember, confidence breeds success.

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Posted by Jason Jacobsohn | Permalink

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Insightful article Jason.

Refreshing to read something about confidence that isn't the normal 'positive affirmation' stuff!

What people don't recognise about confidence (among other things) is that it works just like a muscle - the more you use it the bigger it gets, the less you use it the smaller it gets. Muscles develop in line with the level of performance required of them, and the same is true of your confidence.

I always say that you're already as confident as you need to be to live the life you're living. If you want to be more self-confident in specific areas you've got to look at working your confidence muscle in those new directions.

Posted by: Steve Errey | February 21, 2008 at 05:04 AM

Thanks Steve. I like your insight as well. Thanks for sharing.

Posted by: Jason Jacobsohn | February 22, 2008 at 04:31 PM

Well sorta.

The other path is self-forgetfulness and confidence in your cause/product.

Some people can be confident of what they are selling but not about personal attributes.

Confidence in self can easily become arrogance which is an automatic turn off for me (I know this isn't what you mean - but can be a problem with self confidence).

If someone lacks self-confidence they can talk about something other than themselves (or even get interested in listening to others - which shouldn't hurt sales either).

This isn't meant to contradict the point you made but to add to it.

Posted by: Evan | February 23, 2008 at 03:56 PM

Hi Jason,

I like the fact that your suggestions are all about taking action, although I also believe in the power of affirmations. The thing is that affirmations are meant to lead to action - if you don't take action then you not only won't "get anywhere", but you also won't be building your confidence!

Very good points you've made, thanks!

Posted by: JoLynn Braley | February 23, 2008 at 06:02 PM

This comes at a perfect time for me. I'm starting to head back into the work force and I keep avoiding the resume and interview process because I feel inexperienced. Even though I'm confident that I can do the job, I have been nervous to reach out and face the new field of expertise. Writing the blog and interacting with people in forums has been a huge confidence booster!

Posted by: Cindy | February 24, 2008 at 08:47 AM

Thanks Evan for the additional perspective. You are absolutely right about too much self-confidence can lead to arrogance. I am glad that you raised this point.

Posted by: Jason Jacobsohn | February 24, 2008 at 04:10 PM

JoLynn, great point about affirmation. Yes, action is what needs to take place. With the right amount of motivation, self-confidence can definitely be improved.

Posted by: Jason Jacobsohn | February 24, 2008 at 04:13 PM

Good luck Cindy. I am glad my post was relevant to you.

Posted by: Jason Jacobsohn | February 24, 2008 at 04:17 PM

Most of us are not confident, at least, we aren't in the beginning. I've always found it helpful to act like you are confident until the new growth catches up with you.

The action is an extension of faith that it will come.

Posted by: LaRene | February 25, 2008 at 02:48 PM

Thanks LaRene for sharing your perspective. If you act like you are confident and you really are not, just make sure that you don't come across as arrogant. In almost all situations, you want to act like yourself because at some point it will catch up to you and you may not be able to sustain the act.

Posted by: Jason Jacobsohn | February 26, 2008 at 09:17 PM