Why Confidence is Important for Small Business Owners

The world is a busy place these days and as a small business owner, you need to be confident in yourself and your focus.

Having confidence in your professional abilities allows you to push yourself, step out of those comfort zones, and achieve success.

Can you remember the last time you took a risk or jumped at an opportunity that scared you? Public speaking, for example, can derail the calmest of entrepreneurs. If you have ever stood up and tried something new then you were tapping into your well of confidence.

When I’m asked to speak at events I’m often told by the audience how confident I am. Standing up in front of a crowd can be nerve-wracking, but when you know your topic inside out, are passionate about what you do, and believe in yourself and your business then your confidence will shine.

“Self-confidence is a superpower. Once you start to believe in yourself, the magic starts happening.”

• Value yourself.
• Know your worth.
• Trust that your audience appreciates and values you too.

When you apply these three elements to your professional development your confidence will rise and you will attract more clients.

Are you a confident person?

Everyone is unique, and how you run your business will be distinctive to you, but can you honestly call yourself a confident person?

Some business owners are confident in specific areas such as networking or marketing, whereas they feel less confident with accounts and administration. This is perfectly normal. After all, we can play to our strengths and outsource our weaknesses!

When you trust yourself it automatically boosts your self-confidence.

Do you trust yourself? Do you believe that any goals you set will be achieved, or are you constantly doubting yourself?

The Woman Who Achieves Community prides itself on support and accountability which is at the core of confidence. Knowing you can turn to like-minded business owners for guidance is one way you can begin to trust in your abilities.

Confidence impacts your bottom line

When you lack confidence you may offer services or products at lower prices, maybe offering discounts before your clients have had time to consider your value ladder.

Discounts have their place in business and work well with early bird launches or clearing older stock, but your high ticket services should be earning you a good living without the need to take money off.

As a business owner, your goal is to get your ideal client to know, like, and trust you. If you lack confidence and consistently offer discounted services, these clients won’t be able to value what you offer.

If you don’t value yourself how can you expect others to value you?

“Believe in yourself. Have faith in your abilities. Without humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful or happy.” Normal Vincent Peale

Your goal must be to communicate confidence in your business so that your audience (and ideal client) is just as confident in using your services.

How to improve your self-confidence

There are many strategies you can use to improve your self-confidence. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Accountability – Whether you choose to tap into the knowledge and skills of your network or hire a business coach, being accountable for your goals and actions builds confidence.

• What’s your why? – Why did you start your business in the first place? What was the driving force? Reminding yourself of your ‘why’ can help you unlock the earlier confidence your felt when launching your business.

• Start small – When building your confidence start with small actions or tasks and build momentum. For example, turning your camera on during an online webinar could be the first step, and asking a question might be the next step, and so on.

• Personal brand – Are you comfortable in your own skin? Everyone has experienced that feeling where you look a million dollars because you were wearing an outfit that fits and makes you feel good – that’s dressing with confidence. Adapt this into your day-to-day business life. Show up on Zoom wearing a favourite top, and attend a face-to-face event in your favourite boots or heels. Do whatever it takes to feel good about yourself.

Embracing positivity and focusing on the professional development of yourself and your business are also great ways to improve your confidence. Business growth, self-care, planning, and communication can also be important areas to explore when building self-confidence.

If you need more help with confidence, reach out and speak to the amazing ladies in the Woman Who Achieves Community on Facebook, or join us at our next event.

February 2023 Woman Who Inspires Online Event

Each month Woman Who hosts the Woman Who Inspires Online Network, and tickets to our February event are now live.

With Woman Who events, there will be networking, inspirational speakers, and learning with this month’s theme, Confidence.

Online events are a great place to make new connections and there is no membership required or charge to attend. Simply register and you’re in.

Do you want to be part of the Woman Who Community in 2023? The Woman Who Achieves Academy is a fast-track environment of learning and support to help you power up your personal brand and get visible.

There are three levels of subscription:

• Academy Lite– for women in business who are just starting their journey and not quite ready or unable to devote the time just yet. This level provides all the weekly learning, networking in the Facebook Group, and a Directory entry.
• Academy Gold– for business women ready to power up their personal brand and get visible through the opportunities created.
• Academy Platinum– for women in business who want to accelerate their business growth and visibility through public speaking.