“A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power.” Brian Tracy
If you don’t know who Brian Tracy is, you owe it to yourself to find out. I am a huge fan of sales and motivational speakers and Brian Tracy is one of the best.
The Role of Confidence
Last week I posted thoughts on Self-Assessment. Continuous self-assessment helps you constantly improve. In this fast moving world, authenticity and truth is essential in branding – whether a product, a service, or a personal brand.
Today, let’s consider the role confidence plays in personal branding. Confidence. Not ego. Not shameless self-promotion. I’m referring to an inner confidence in knowing who you are, what your true value is, and how that helps both you and others succeed.
True confidence is the faith in one’s innate abilities and talents and deep convictions. Do you have confidence in yourself, your work, and your brand?
I’m sure you’ve looked around your workplace occasionally and wondered why some people advance to highly paid positions while others, who have equal or better training, are not promoted.
There many be many reasons for this but one thing is certain: Those who advance really believe in themselves and in their abilities. They sincerely do have those deep convictions.
Here’s a quick exercise for you to help practice self confidence:
- Starting tomorrow morning, begin paying attention to your “inner dialog” as you go about your day – you know, that voice that constantly comments on how you’re doing.
Hopefully, your inner talk is strong and positive. But as with most humans, it’s most like up and down and sometimes not very favorable to you.
Here’s a way to begin changing that:
- Write your own inner dialog
- Fill your thoughts with words that release your self confidence.
- I CAN do this. I am well prepared and ready. This situation is going to go well for all concerned.
- Square your shoulders, take a deep breath, and make positive statements about yourself and your situation.
This is not to suggest that confidence is built by positive self-talk alone but it sure helps.
Remember, “Nothing succeeds like success.”
People will try to discourage you. That’s a given. When that happens, it’s time to prove to yourself and others that you have what it take to follow through on your convictions. As you do, the tide turns, and your confidence is multiplied. In turn, the confidence of others in you also multiplies.
In the various ways mentioned, your thoughts are lifted up, and your self-confidence becomes a habitual state of mind. Someone has said that it is the man “who thinks he can” succeeds.
Remember the power of putting your best foot forward as a confidence builder, also. With that, and a clear vision, you gain the tremendous feeling of confidence Mr. Tracy is speaking of.
Author:
Beverly Macy is the Managing Partner of Y&M Partners and teaches a social media class at the UCLA Extension. She also co-hosts Gravity Summit events.
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Hey, Beverly, you are very correct. Confiddence show in attitude, behaviors and can not be faked. Without passion and confidence, personal brand may not be able to go far. Developing confidence begins with past achievements that are recalled which serves as vital forces. But without these, positive thoughts, belief can aid the development of self-confidence.We should all stop unnnecessary comparing otherwise one;s ability may be “dwarfed by seemingly unsurpassed acchievements” Thanks for this piece once again Beverly..
Beverly, great post!
Whether you have a job or are seeking one, confidence at work or confidence in your search efforts and interviews is essential. Some ways to boost confidence are knowing who you are, identifying your personal brand (the self-differentiator that makes you feel really good about yourself and your value) and feeling comfortable presenting your strengths in a personal brand pitch and everything else you do.
Practice answering questions, such as, “What value do you bring to the table?”, “Why should we hire you over other candidates?”, “Why should we keep you over hiring other candidates?” etc. The more natural and comfortable you become answering these, the more natural and confident you will present yourself in the right situations, because you will already know who you are and what you have to offer.
Very, very true, Beverly. And affirmations can make all the difference. I wrote a couple of posts recently about using your voice. Actually singing. The extent to which you’re willing to sing indicates your level of confidence. And perhaps as a corollary, by letting yourself sing you can increase self confidence.
[...] Confidence in Your Personal Brand | Personal Branding Blog – Dan Schawbel Be Confident in your brand! [...]
That’s an interesting way of saying: If you believe in yourself, others will believe in you.
Just be careful not to fall victim to a “confidence man!”
Confidence is also a double-edged sword. Sometimes erring on the side of caution is best. A person who is overly modest can often get further than the person who brims with confidence. In fact, an air of confidence often turns people off, even when well founded. Actions speak louder than words, and a person who is able to project an appropriate level of confidence while doing excellent work is golden. Platinum is projecting humility and letting your work speak for itself. “Marketing is what you do when your product sucks,” or something…
Once you have built your personal brand, you had better protect it. I speak from experience.