9 Ways to Show More Confidence in Business

Many entrepreneurs share specific qualities that
are vital for starting and growing a business.
They are passionate, resilient, focused on
opportunities and comfortable with risks. But the
quality that might have the most influence over an
entrepreneur’s success is confidence .
You’re much more likely to approach a stranger
about your latest business idea or effectively
pitch a new client if you feel self-assured. Most
of the activities an entrepreneur participates in
every day (product launches, critical business
decisions, even board meetings) require some
level of confidence.
If you want to achieve great success, you must
believe that you are worthy. Here are some
helpful hints for boosting your confidence in
yourself and your business.
Related: Lewis Howes On Being Confident: 'Own
Who You Are'
1. Package yourself for success.
When you look the part, you’ll carry yourself with
more confidence. Dressing well communicates to
others that you are knowledgeable, powerful and
competent. When choosing clothing, remember to
dress for the occasion and your client’s emotional
comfort. Before any meeting with an important
client, research his company’s image, office
environment and internal values.
2. Correct your posture.
If your work requires you to sit in front of a desk
for most of the day, chances are your posture
has suffered. Don’t slouch when meeting with
clients, customers or colleagues. Poor posture
may make you appear insecure, lazy or
disinterested. Try to make a conscious effort to
roll your shoulders back and elongate your spine.
Keep your head in a neutral position with your
chin slightly raised.
3. Do your best and worry less.
Entrepreneurs who lack self-assurance often
stress about what others might think about them.
Negative self-talk can quickly make you feel as
though others are evaluating every error and
misstep you make. Focus on all the things you do
well and hire other experts to take care of the
rest.
Related: 3 Ways to Communicate With Confidence
4. Focus on the future.
If you find yourself being caught up in the
minutiae of daily business, remind yourself to
think about your dreams for the future. If you take
a few minutes to focus on your goals, you’ll be
able to refocus on what’s most important to you
and your business.
5. Embrace positivity.
We’re bombarded with negativity all day, every
day. To counteract the negative energy around
you --from what's conveyed in the daily news to
the comments of grumpy colleagues -- fill your
mind with positive thoughts. Show gratitude for
small acts of kindness and be appreciative of
those around you. If you make it a habit to be
positive and grateful, it will become second
nature.
6. Let go of small mistakes.
Everyone makes mistakes so don’t expect to be
perfect or you’ll drive yourself crazy. Try not to
dwell on small errors. If you make a mistake with
a client, don’t obsess over what you might have
done wrong. Instead, take responsibility.
Apologize, fix the mistake as soon as possible
and move forward.
7. Continue to grow and improve.
A small accomplishment can help boost your
confidence, even if it’s not entirely related to your
business. Learn a new skill, take a class at a local
university or read a book on a subject that
interests you. If you’d like to excel at something
specific such as playing golf or public speaking,
invest in yourself and take lessons.
8. Schedule time to play.
If you put in 60 to 80 hours of work every week
and never take time to rest, you’ll eventually push
yourself toward burnout and sheer exhaustion.
Make sure you set aside time to do the things you
love in life. Escort your child or dog to the park,
take walks during your lunch break or participate
in an exercise class at a local gym. If you invest
time in your hobbies, friends and family, you’ll
feel rejuvenated and ready to conquer your next
challenge.
9. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
Whenever you find yourself in an epic struggle
against self-doubt, call a trusted friend, advisor
or colleague and get his or her best advice. Often
an objective opinion will help you look at life
differently, overcome your challenges and
transform your attitude. JACQUELINE WHITMORE
CONTRIBUTOR
AUTHOR, ETIQUETTE EXPERT, AND
FOUNDER OF THE PROTOCOL
SCHOOL OF PALM BEACH