Putting Yourself Out There

It’s hard putting yourself out there. Making a great first impression can be a struggle. This is true whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. The road to success, however, is paved with the bonds of trust you create with your customers and clients. That support structure is necessary to a successful business. My advice is to be your genuine self and not something you “think” you should be. But how do you do that and still create those connections?

Be Vulnerable

You want to connect with your potential clients and customers and keeping a wall between you isn’t the way to do it. Being vulnerable means you share a part of yourself or your business that isn’t perfect. It’s the “real-person” factor you need. Your clients and customers are struggling. How can your business, and your story, help them find a path to success? While you may fear being vulnerable is showing your weakness, it can be your strength. It takes courage, to be honest.

Be Likeable

Being likable is a key factor in being relatable. It’s necessary to surpass the competition because it gives you the “know” and “like” factors needed to forge trust. Speak from your heart and be authentic. Share your story about how you came to be where you are today. That “likability” factor is important to your future success.

Be Grateful

Showing gratitude forges a bond between you and your customer. It creates an instant emotional response in them that triggers dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. People will always remember how you make them feel. Buying choices are linked to emotional responses, so creating an emotional bond through gratitude is a self-sustaining, positive cycle.

Be Confident

You are the only one who knows your business inside and out. You must be confident in your abilities and your willingness to help people better their lives in some way. Confidence is a key factor in trust, and it is distinct in your mannerisms, speech patterns, and the written word. As Grace once said, “You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it.” The only time you’ve failed is when you stop trying. Every stumbling block is a key to your future success. You’ve learned a thing or two, now show it! Be confident and your clients and customers can trust that you have their best interests at heart.

Putting yourself out there doesn’t have to be a struggle. If you approach it with honesty and preparation, it can be a smooth operation. Celebrate your successes, thank your clients and customers for their work (showing public gratefulness to your staff also helps), and show the human side of your business. You can do it!