Blind Faith Don't worry! We'll tell you how to overcome your feelings of intimidation and reach your goals.
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
You feel mixed emotions as you consider leaving your day job towork for yourself. One moment, you're so pumped, you can'tthink about anything else. But the next, you're stricken withfear, intimidated by the uncertainty that lies ahead. (What if Ifail? What do I even know about starting a business, anyway?)
"[Intimidation] is a feeling that somehow you aren'tgood enough," explains David Verchere, 33, CEO of CorporateGear LLC, a New York City exchange and application service providerfor the promotional products industry that recently closed a $1.5million financing round. "We all classify ourselves inrelation to others. When we apply that to our ambitions, wedon't always see our potential, but rather ourlimitations."
Richard Kaufman, 31, agrees. "When you're intimidated,you feel doubt and uncertainty about whether you're up to thechallenges that life throws your way," says Kaufman, presidentand CEO of Sweepsclub.com, a Deerfield Beach, Florida, directInternet marketing company. "You wonder if your ideas will beaccepted by your family and business associates. And then there isa fear of failure...especially when you have successfulcompetitors."
Every aspiring BIZ Experiences gets intimidated to some degree.That's a given. Here's how they overcome those feelings ofintimidation and accomplish their goals:
- Learn, learn, learn. "The more you know [about yourbusiness]," Verchere advises, "the less intimidatedyou'll be when people confront you with new situations."How do you get over the learning curve? Block out 10 to 30 minuteseach day to read industry publications and books. Study yourcompetitors religiously. What are their latest developments? Howcan you better differentiate your company? "Knowing yourproduct and competition will help you overcome the intimidation youmay be feeling," says Kaufman.
- Never let them see you sweat.What should you do if youdon't know the answer to a question at, say, a sales call orinvestor presentation? Stay cool. Whatever you do, don't actdefensive. If you're not sure of the answer to a question,calmly admit "I don't know, but I know exactly where I canget the answer. I'll be happy to get it for you ASAP."When you keep your poise, no matter what, you build credibilitywith those who challenge you.
- Don't fear failure."Even some of the mostcelebrated business leaders, like Steve Jobs with Apple Computer,have [at times] fallen on their faces with the companies they havelaunched," says Kaufman. "Yet, even with failure comes alearning curve that can help you be successful in your nextendeavour. It's important to remember that failure is aningredient of success."
- Get the right perspective. Suppose, for example,you're having trouble getting clients to pay you on time. Thereason is most likely that, deep down, you feel "guilty"about invoicing clients, as if you must apologize for charging foryour products and services. Now, this feeling, especially with yourfirst customers, is normal. You need the business and want happycustomers. But if you allow this thinking to dominate you,you'll come across as a pushover to customers-they'll take advantage.
Sean M. Lyden (seanlyden@mindspring.com) isthe principal and senior writer of The Professional WritingFirm Inc., a Kennesaw, Georgia, company that specializes inghostwriting articles. Lyden writes frequently on motivation,management and marketing issues. What psychological obstacles tosuccess are you trying to overcome? Tell us at bsumag@entrepreneur.com.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
How do you gain the right perspective and leverage in yourbusiness dealings?
- Ask yourself questions like "Why should I feelguilty for providing a valuable product or service? With thebenefits I bring to customers, why shouldn't I get paid-and getpaid on time?"
- Hire an attorney to put together your contracts. Whileit costs you upfront, customers will take you more seriously,saving you time, money and heartache in the long run.
- ReadWinning Through Intimidation (Ballantine,$5.99, www.randomhouse.com) by Robert J.Ringer. This book will teach you how to turn the tables from beingintimidated by people or circumstances to being able to hold yourown.
Contact Source
Corporate Gear LLC, (800)439-7600, www.corporategear.com.
