If you’ve been thinking about starting a business, this could be the right time. Yes, COVID is still with us and maybe with us for the foreseeable future, but as long as you have the means, the determination, and willingness to work hard, COVID, or any other obstruction should not be a deterrent. Additionally, you can count yourself among the growing number of Black women leading the way in entrepreneurship. According to the most recent State of Women-Owned Business Report, Black women are starting new businesses at a phenomenal rate, accounting for 50% of new firms created between 2014-2019.
While starting a business requires many different components, one of the most necessary attributes you must possess is confidence. You have to believe in yourself, your brand, and your ideas, even if things aren’t in perfect alignment. As an entrepreneur, you’ll find there are times when that self-confidence will be your saving grace or the key that opens new opportunities.
But how do you get that confidence when you’ve never run a business before? If you’re struggling to find the answer, we’ve compiled some helpful tips to start you on your confidence-building journey.
Building confidence as an entrepreneur
Black-female entrepreneurs face many challenges, including those of sexism and racism. But having a mindset that can get you through those difficult times is key to building confidence as an entrepreneur. You can learn to cultivate your mindset by following these 7 tips. Refer to them often, and in time, you’ll feel ready to take on the world.
Be proud of where you are in this moment
Starting a new business is no easy feat. But you had the foresight, the plan, and the courage to take a leap of faith.
Even if you’re not screaming it from the rafters somewhere deep inside, you believed in yourself enough to get you this far. Build on that foundation and celebrate how far you’ve come and dare to dream about how far you will go.
Find your motivation
Whether it’s inspirational quotes, notes you leave for yourself, motivational speakers, vision boards, or books, finding a motivational source that you can turn to as needed is a good step. And with so much access to information at our fingertips, it’s easy to find someone or something that inspires you and keeps you encouraged.
Don’t be afraid to take chances
Stepping out of your comfort zone is a confidence builder in and of itself. By taking a chance, acting on your instincts, or trying something new, you’re essentially building the self-trust you need to drive your business forward. And who knows, those chances may lead to great opportunities or connections.
Don’t be afraid to fail
Every good business person knows that failure is a part of success. Understand that there will be times you will fail; when your ideas don’t pan out or your gamble doesn’t pay off. But there will be plenty of times when they do. Remember, failure is not a personal reflection on you; rather, it’s an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and grow from that experience. It’s important not to let failure send you into a downward spiral of self-doubt. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and carry on.
Find a mentor
When starting a new business, many of us think we can go it alone. But we soon encounter problems and never-ending questions. Trying to do it all without any guidance can put a lot of weight on your shoulders, causing you to feel overwhelmed and insecure. But finding someone who knows what you’re going through and can offer solid advice, especially through the growing pains of a new venture, is priceless.
Know what you have to offer
You entered into your business because you saw a need or a gap or wanted to help people. Remind yourself of this often and know that you’re bringing something of value to the market. Even if you find it difficult to believe in yourself at times, you can always believe in the quality of your product or service.
Acknowledge your self-doubt
Thinking positively works, but even the best of us have negative thoughts from time to time. It’s okay to have feelings of self-doubt and pessimism. We are human, after all, and we have complex emotions. But you don’t want to let that negativity dictate who you are or your capabilities. Acknowledge those feelings and use them to propel you forward.
Fundamentally, building confidence as an entrepreneur can be broken down into a simple idea; believe that you can even if you think that you can’t. Start with these straightforward tips to help you develop the mindset needed to run a successful business.
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