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I’ve written a lot about being confident, being brave, and how we limit ourselves.  Having confidence is VITAL to your success.  Confidence sells.  Ever notice how that salesperson in Banana Republic can sell you a pair of pants because they are so confident and self-assured?  Confidence allows you to set your price and stick to it.  It draws people towards you… it makes you and your business attractive.

Gaining confidence is not an easy thing to do.  How EXACTLY do we become more confident?  Like all things, this requires practice.

Here are 3 Ways to Gain Confidence:

  1. Find a Mentor
    A mentor can help to encourage you, build you up, and give you the confidence you need to know that you can achieve your goals.  A mentor can also pick you up when you make mistakes.  A mentor can help guide and teach you.  How do you find a mentor?  Ask someone locally that you admire in your field.  Look into SCORE, a non-profit organization partnered with the Small Business Administration, that connects you with a free mentor.  Inc. Magazine had a GREAT post about how to find a mentor.
  2. Create a Not-to-do List
    Kelly and I have been digesting The Four Hour Work Week.  In it, Tim Ferriss  talks about having a the “not-to-do list” in addition to your To Do List.  What are the things you do that you shouldn’t be doing?  We like to look at this list not only as an opportunity to stop wasting time, but also to stop self-defeating actions.  What self-defeating behavior can you put on your “not-to-do list”?  Here’s a few ideas:  Don’t be intimidated by ______,  Don’t be fearful of _______, Don’t poo-poo compliments that people give me, Don’t slouch, etc.
  3. Attend a Class, Seminar, Workshop, or Conference
    Education can be extremely powerful!  By learning something new (or even refreshing something old) you feel empowered.  I feel this way every time I leave a seminar.  I feel like I can conquer the world!  There are SEA of opportunities for education in the wedding industry.  But, don’t forget to look outside too.  What about taking a course at your local community college?  Whether it’s creative or business-related, you will feel smart and powerful.  And, those two go a long way where confidence is concerned.

Confidence is a HUGE part of who you are, your business, and your brand.  What do you do to build your confidence?