Don’t Short-Change Yourself: Confidence Matters

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post entitled “Don’t Hawk What You Can’t Handle: A Lesson In Customer Service.” The article warned against overextending yourself with promises you can’t keep -- still solid advice (I think so anyway).

While it’s certainly important to know what you can and can’t promise your customers, it’s first and foremost important to be confident in your abilities.

Just because you're starting out doesn't mean you have to start small! For instance: as a wedding planner, if you start off with low budget weddings, you may find yourself stuck in that category -- a tale more common than you might think. Now, there's nothing wrong with simple, inexpensive weddings, that's for sure. But if you aspire to do more high-end weddings, then go for it! -- provided that you are confident of your skills. Never limit yourself out of fear of failure.

If you believe you are capable of offering high-end services and you are sensible about your resources, then you're set. The greatest weapon in the event professional’s arsenal is self-confidence. You can handle just about anything if you’re confident in your abilities. Of course, confidence comes from knowing you’ve done the proper prep work, training, and practice that will allow you to succeed. Otherwise, it isn’t confidence, it’s bluster.

Too many event professionals sell themselves short, not because they can’t afford to offer greater services but because they lack the confidence to do so. If you convince yourself that you are not ready for something, or that you are not as skilled as someone else, then you’ve already defeated yourself. Exude confidence even when you’re scared. You’ll be surprised how quickly that confidence becomes real.

Clients notice and respond to your sense of self. If you waver at all, they’ll immediately question your abilities -- and why not? After all, if you’re not sure of yourself, how can they be?

Whatever service you offer, offer it with complete confidence that you are the best person for the job. And once you've taken a look in the mirror and told yourself you're awesome (confidence), take a look at Inspherio, the all-in-one event planning and business management tool (sensibility). Inspherio has the tools to help you to grow your business: you won't have to waste time with a lot of busy work that could be better spent doing fun things like cultivating your business's image, establishing your presence, and connecting with clients. Just sayin'.

One thing's for sure: without a program like Inspherio, you're going to have much more cause for anxiety. Nothing is more confidence-shattering than having to juggle websites, applications, and paperwork trying to stay afloat. Get organized, save time, and make more money with this program! Try our free 30-day trial and see for yourself. Let Inspherio be the spark that ignites your fire!

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Tips for Young Entrepreneurs

Starting your own business is not for the faint of heart.  You must be willing and able to put in long hours, and fully devote yourself to your new venture.  Because of the nature of this, there are more and more young people creating their own businesses.  Today's stagnant economy may also contribute to this increase in young entrepreneurs.  Many college graduates may find it easier to create a job than to find one.  


Here are a few tips for First-Time Business Owners:

Stay Focused

When you are getting started, it is very tempting to go for any opportunity that comes your way, even if it is outside your field.  When you begin working outside your area of expertise, you can get side tracked very easily.  It is much better to be great at one thing, than to be mediocre in several areas.  Remember the 10,000 hour rule that Malcolm Gladwell wrote about in "Outliers."  When referring to the success of many individuals like Bill Gates for example, Gladwell claims that the key to success is a matter of extensive practice in that field for a total of about 10,000 hours.

Frugal Beginnings

When you are first getting your business started, there is no need to worry about a fancy office, or top-of-the-line equipment.  Of course there are necessary investments to be made depending on your exact business, but it is incredibly important to keep your costs low in the beginning.  Operating efficiently on a shoestring budget gives you a strong understanding of how your business operates so that when your business becomes successful, you will understand where to make any necessary investments.

Surround Yourself with the Right People
It is becoming increasingly important to surround yourself with smart, creative people to keep your business innovative within your industry.  As Ashley Lutz writes in a recent article for BusinessInsider.com: "Being different is more prized than fitting in and black-and-white thinkers are being left behind."  

Depending on your business, this can advice can be applied in several different ways.  If you can afford to hire new people, this is precisely for you.  However, if you are still getting started and cannot add new people yet, it would be beneficial to make contacts with other businesses in your industry that you respect and admire.  Meet with them to discuss new ideas and get inspiration for new methods and innovations.  

To manage your business more efficiently, you can use Inspherio.
Inspherio is an All-in-One business management tool for event industry professionals.  

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