Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, Business2Community.com, and many other credible sources agree that self-confidence is key to entrepreneurial success. The importance of self-confidence in an entrepreneur may seem obvious. Still, too often, an entrepreneur has more confidence in their product or service than themselves. 

When entrepreneurs lack self-confidence, it’s harder for their consumers, employees, and investors to believe in their product or service. After all, would you follow an entrepreneur to the ends of their professional pursuits if you found them wavering in self-confidence and by default, plagued with pessimism and self-doubt? 

Tips to Increase Self-Confidence

It’s crucial to believe in yourself because you, as the entrepreneur of the product or service, must emanate buy-in. Consumers are more likely to emotionally and financially invest in those who believe in their ability and value, which is apparent through an entrepreneur’s sense of self-confidence.

In an article entitled 5 Successful Entrepreneurs Share Their Self Confidence Secrets, the following self-confidence tips aim to help entrepreneurs increase self-confidence:

1.) KNOW YOUR WORTH

“When applied, this means sitting up straight, looking people in the eye, giving a firm handshake, charging what you deserve, maintaining a positive attitude– and keeping a private victory log of things you’ve done well.” ~ Misha Kaura, Luxury Fashion Designer

2.) GET THINGS DONE

“Having strong command of your schedule and knowing exactly what needs to   be done — and when — makes you feel competent, confident and in control… The simple act of recording everything you have to do in one place removes anxiety and imbues you with control– and confidence.” ~Dave Bowden, Author

3.) DRESS THE PART

“Put effort into looking presentable and smart, every day. Looking professional   

will make you feel professional, and while this may be a superficial fix to your confidence issue, it is beneficial because it communicates confidence to others.” ~Steve Pritchard, from African Travel

4.) DON’T LOOK OUTWARD FOR APPROVAL

“Don’t seek permission. Don’t seek appreciation. If your heart is telling you something, it’s probably right. As leading psychologist and author Daniel Goleman says, ‘Your gut instinct’s data is valuable.’” ~Syed Irfan Ajmal, Entrepreneur “who boasts a 100% success rate for building self-funded and profitable small business”

5.) THE MIND BODY CONNECTION IS REAL

“Pull your shoulders back, hold your head up high, and fake it ‘til you make it. Research shows ‘acting as if’ can signal your brain to feel confident, even if you don’t feel it quite yet.” ~Jamie Pfeffer, Success Coach & Author

Just as entrepreneurs need to be concerned with the cornerstones of business, marketing, management, leadership, design, etc., they also need to be concerned about building and maintaining their self-confidence. At the end of the day, consumers may try a new product or service out of curiosity. But their belief in the self-confidence of the entrepreneur, whether that’s a person or company, leads them to become repeat customers. 

Author: Evelyn Lindell