No matter what business you are in, you’ll have to communicate with people in some form or another. You may have to talk to customers to make sales, handle customer service inquiries, talk to suppliers, talk to business partners, talk to employees, and so much more. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned one, this can be one of the most intimidating parts of doing business.
Many times, it’s intimidating because you have a hard time giving yourself credit for being an expert. You may feel like your skill set is not expert level or that you’ll start talking and you’ll sound stupid. Or you may just be intimidated by the idea of interacting with people you don’t actually know.
As an entrepreneur, who has to interact with people, it’s important that you don’t allow the things that intimidate you to hold you back from making progress towards reaching your business goals. You have to work to build your confidence by doing the things that reinforce your comfort level with being a boss.
Having confidence makes running your business easier for you, and it makes potential customers trust you more. If you come off as if you don’t know your stuff, then potential customers will pick up on that and buy from someone that they think does.
I want to share 5 tips on how to boost your confidence fast, without a ton of effort:
Do something you’re afraid to do every day.
I know it’s scary but this really works. It’s probably the most effective tip that I can give you. Do exactly what you’re afraid of doing every single day. It’s what I did when I started my business and it’s why I have my podcast, Master Your Mission.
As you begin to do the very things that frighten you, you’ll realize that those things get easier and easier every time you do them. Start with something small if you have to, and work your way up to bigger things. As you progress, you’ll get more bold and your confidence will grow by leaps and bounds.
Write daily affirmations.
Writing daily affirmations is a super effective way to start your day on a positive note and to counter negative thoughts you may be having. As soon as you wake up every day, take a few minutes to write daily affirmations. Affirm positive thoughts and feelings and write down what you’ll achieve that day or in the near future.
As you write them, believe them and when you finish writing, read them out loud. Return to them throughout the day if you need to counter any negativity you may be feeling.
Hone your inner voice.
What do you say to yourself when you‘re in situations that intimidate you? You may not even be aware of what your inner voice is telling you. From now on, you will be. Pay attention to the words your inner voice is using. Choose words of power like, “I can” and “I will”.
Allow your inner voice to be your biggest cheerleader.
Control your thoughts.
When you think of situations that intimidate you, what do you think? It’s likely that, if you’re struggling with confidence, you don’t envision yourself going into the situation and owning it. You may be allowing negative thoughts to defeat before you even begin.
Think positive thoughts. Envision yourself doing the things that scare you with confidence and ease and being mastering them.
Give eye contact and speak with authority.
Your body language can communicate a lot to people. When you’re talking to someone, give them eye contact and speak with a tone and volume that exudes authority. You don’t have to yell or stare people down in a creepy way, but giving them eye contact and using your speaking voice effectively shows interest, respect, and allows you to exert your authority.