How self-confidence in small business can save time & money
Self-confidence can save time and money in small business in many ways. Let's consider three of these.
Of course, self-confidence isn't just an on or off characteristic, we all have self-confidence to varying degrees. We may also have self-confidence in some areas but lack it in others. It helps in small business to have it in as many different areas as possible, otherwise we waste time, and time is money.
Better, faster decisions.
Self-confidence can relate to decision-making. When we have confidence in our decisions we can save time because we are more likely to take clear decisions quickly.
When we lack confidence in our decision making abilities we can waste time procrastinating. We worry about whether it's the correct decision or not. We spend time going over and over the pros and cons and asking more and people for advice, until we end up confused instead of clear.
When we lack confidence we may end up putting off decisions or not making them at all. What a waste of time and energy that is, we could have been putting our energy into marketing instead, and earning money.
Short of energy? Rachel's CD "Energy for living" can help you get more energy. Click here.
Deal with conflicts more quickly.
Every small business has conflicts to deal with, it's normal. There will always be issues with suppliers, difficult customers or problem staff. Self-confidence can aid conflict resolution.
When we have self-confidence in our ability to handle conflicts and uncomfortable emotions, it can give us the impetus we need to face them as they arise, so they are dealt with promptly and do not escalate. This saves time and energy.
If we lack confidence we may hope the conflicts will go away, or fail to stand up for ourselves. We may avoid them by pretending we aren't available when the phone rings, by failing to speak out when the opportunity arises, or by not giving negative feedback when errors occur. These avoidance tactics waste time and energy.
Rachel has a CD set to help you handle difficult people and negativity: Click here.
Happy heads
When we have self-confidence in our ability to cope with and control situations, we can stay positive.
When we have self-confidence in who we are we are more likely to put thoughts and snide comments aside, to let go of what has happened and to move forward. We are more likely to keep a happy head and a happy heart and thus bring more enthusiasm and goodwill into our business,
Negative thinking and worry can be a waste of time in any business. They eat up energy, time and focus.
When we lack confidence we are more likely to be overcome with self-doubt, to let things eat away at us or to dwell on negative thoughts or destructive thinking. Destructive thoughts not only waste time they can destroy our business.
Who wants to work for a grouch or be served by a rat-bag? No one. They are great ways to lose customers and staff. Staff turnover can cost businesses badly. A lack of repeat customers can damage your bottom line. It's best to have self-confidence, isn't it?
Rachel's has a unique webinar to build your small business confidence. Click here.
Self-confidence can impact on your business, whether you are a sole business owner, a micro business owner or you run a small business.
In which areas could you benefit from having more self-confidence? How much time could you save if you invested in developing your self-confidence further? Imagine what self-confidence can do in your business.
Rachel Green: Motivational Speaker|Small Business Owner|Networking Specialist|Author.
Rachel has run a small/micro business for over 20 years and has survived many economic ups and downs, whilst other businesses around her have come and gone.
She also runs live webinars for women in small business - join us in the next one: Ten things I've learnt about being successful in small business. Click here to book now.
She is the author of 17 CDs including the double CD sets: "Confidence for women at work", "Energy for living: For busy women who are tired or worn out" and "Happy not hassled: The easy way to peace and calm".
Copyright Confident Woman Australia, 2010.
Rachel Green
Reader Comments (3)
Joanna Maxwell
One of the keys is to manage our own emotions. One of the most successful confidence techniques that I’ve ever used is to take mental snap shots of myself when I'm radiating self confidence. Then I replay these in my mind. In this way my self confidence expands and becomes stronger than ever. It also becomes a self fulfilling habit.
I've written more about this here: http://www.confident-woman.com.au/confidence-techniques/2009/8/13/snap-shots-radiate-self-confidence.html
May your self-confidence shine.
Rachel.
If you treat an acid with an alcaline then they neutralise, urine doesn't.
Alcaline substances in wool destroys the fibres. That became my major challenge. As I learned more and more about pet urine my confidence grew, and I became a specialist in its treatment.
Confidence is often built by fully understanding the trade or profession you're in, which usually comes about by education and experience. The two element combine boosts the confidence factor.
I would look for challenges every day. I even got to the point unless there was a stain or two on a carpet I wouldn't bother doing the job because they were boring. Yes I would have received money for nothing more than freshening up the carpet, but there was no challenge and so a small feeling of guilt would creep in and I wouldn't enjoy cleaning that person's carpet.
The challenge became the part I loved the most, not necessarily the cleaning.
Burgo