8 answers
abraham
Student
Imperial, California
3
Questions
Asked
716 views
How can I be more confident to be more prepared to become a business man.
I am a 8th grader who values business but in order to do that I need to become more confident.
Login to comment
8 answers
Jeff Kee
Associate Director managing people and projects in Telecommunications
6
Answers
Fayetteville, Georgia
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Confidence can be a bit elusive, but the key is to start by embracing and loving yourself. Don't let the opinions of others shape your self-image because you are more than enough just as you are. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and reinforce this belief. Then, begin to set manageable goals that you can achieve, whether they're related to fitness or academics. Every small victory boosts your momentum and bolsters your confidence. As you rack up these small wins, keep setting more targets that align with your long-term aspirations.
You could also practice things like public speaking. Start with a friendly audience like your family or friends to gradually build your confidence. Then, move on to smaller groups as a stepping stone towards presenting to larger audiences.
Most importantly, remember that you are in control of your feelings and your day. Each morning when you look in the mirror, remind yourself that you are enough and you won't let others dictate the kind of day you're going to have. This daily affirmation will set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
You could also practice things like public speaking. Start with a friendly audience like your family or friends to gradually build your confidence. Then, move on to smaller groups as a stepping stone towards presenting to larger audiences.
Most importantly, remember that you are in control of your feelings and your day. Each morning when you look in the mirror, remind yourself that you are enough and you won't let others dictate the kind of day you're going to have. This daily affirmation will set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
Tori Kren
Senior Manager, Guest Experience
1
Answer
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Updated
Tori’s Answer
Confidence comes with practice - take a lot of chances and don't be afraid to fail because you'll learn a lot just from trying. Success isn't forever and failure isn't fatal. Confidence comes from taking each day as a brand new opportunity and not letting yourself be bogged down by the places you weren't successful in the past.
Learning the basics of whatever you are interested first - building confidence in that foundation before growing those skills further. Rather than resisting failure - accept any failures. Learn and grow. The more you are willing to take a failure as an opportunity the more confidence you will gain in trying new things and the more experience you will have to guide more confident future decisions.
Learning the basics of whatever you are interested first - building confidence in that foundation before growing those skills further. Rather than resisting failure - accept any failures. Learn and grow. The more you are willing to take a failure as an opportunity the more confidence you will gain in trying new things and the more experience you will have to guide more confident future decisions.
Aaron Westley
Massachusetts
15
Answers
Northborough, Massachusetts
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
True confidence comes from knowing and doing. Begin by immersing yourself in the stories of young entrepreneurs and tackling engaging activities like puzzles and strategy games. This approach not only deepens your understanding of business fundamentals but also sharpens your problem-solving skills. Sharing your ideas with others, whether through conversation or starting mini-projects, transforms theoretical knowledge into practical expertise, reinforcing your confidence with each success.
Embrace the journey of learning from both achievements and setbacks. Viewing challenges as opportunities to grow, and celebrating every win, big or small, cultivates a mindset that equips you to navigate the business world with confidence. Engaging in activities you love, from sports to clubs, further boosts this confidence, making it a natural extension of your daily life.
Ultimately, TRUE confidence in business comes from a cycle of learning, doing, and reflecting. Start small, with projects or clubs that align with your interests, and gradually expand your ventures as your confidence grows. This hands-on experience, combined with the knowledge gained along the way, lays a solid foundation for true confidence that extends beyond mere appearances.
Embrace the journey of learning from both achievements and setbacks. Viewing challenges as opportunities to grow, and celebrating every win, big or small, cultivates a mindset that equips you to navigate the business world with confidence. Engaging in activities you love, from sports to clubs, further boosts this confidence, making it a natural extension of your daily life.
Ultimately, TRUE confidence in business comes from a cycle of learning, doing, and reflecting. Start small, with projects or clubs that align with your interests, and gradually expand your ventures as your confidence grows. This hands-on experience, combined with the knowledge gained along the way, lays a solid foundation for true confidence that extends beyond mere appearances.
Deborah Brown
Program Manager
2
Answers
Camas, Washington
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Hi Abraham,
First, I applaud you for thinking about your future career while you are young. It can be very helpful to plan ahead and take a mindful approach to your future.
As others have said, confidence comes with experience. Try out different activities in your community through clubs, sports, scouts, and volunteering. When you identify areas of particular interest, build relationships with folks in organizations supporting those interests. Many organizations are happy to see a young person taking an interest and will support your engagement by helping you to identify ways that you can participate and grow your experience with their organization.
There may be clubs to help develop your business skills when you reach high school. If there is not already a local chapter, you might consider starting a DECA club (https://www.deca.org/mission). Taking a leadership role will provide you with experience that will build confidence.
Good luck, and keep asking questions!
Deborah
First, I applaud you for thinking about your future career while you are young. It can be very helpful to plan ahead and take a mindful approach to your future.
As others have said, confidence comes with experience. Try out different activities in your community through clubs, sports, scouts, and volunteering. When you identify areas of particular interest, build relationships with folks in organizations supporting those interests. Many organizations are happy to see a young person taking an interest and will support your engagement by helping you to identify ways that you can participate and grow your experience with their organization.
There may be clubs to help develop your business skills when you reach high school. If there is not already a local chapter, you might consider starting a DECA club (https://www.deca.org/mission). Taking a leadership role will provide you with experience that will build confidence.
Good luck, and keep asking questions!
Deborah
Howard Christiansen
Professor
54
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Howard’s Answer
Dear Abraham,
I firmly believe that confidence blossoms from experience. It's a reward of diligent effort and, more importantly, it's deeply connected to your self-awareness. As you delve deeper into your strengths and persistently improve your weaknesses, your confidence will naturally radiate from your persona. At your stage, it's crucial to listen more and speak less until you've fully grasped the message from others. When you do express yourself, do it with conviction. Strive to achieve personal victories, no matter how small they may seem.
I can also attest to the fact that regular exercise boosts confidence. It enhances your body image and self-perception, prompting you to act more positively. This positive shift is attributed to the increased endorphin levels in your body.
Don't shy away from making mistakes. Embrace them. They offer invaluable life lessons that striving for perfection often overlooks. Also, when you step into the professional world, strive to maintain a harmonious relationship with your boss. A strained relationship can dent your confidence if you allow it.
I trust that my advice will guide you, Abraham. I wholeheartedly wish you success in all your future pursuits. Remember, patience is key. Confidence can be nurtured through experience.
With respect,
Professor Christiansen
I firmly believe that confidence blossoms from experience. It's a reward of diligent effort and, more importantly, it's deeply connected to your self-awareness. As you delve deeper into your strengths and persistently improve your weaknesses, your confidence will naturally radiate from your persona. At your stage, it's crucial to listen more and speak less until you've fully grasped the message from others. When you do express yourself, do it with conviction. Strive to achieve personal victories, no matter how small they may seem.
I can also attest to the fact that regular exercise boosts confidence. It enhances your body image and self-perception, prompting you to act more positively. This positive shift is attributed to the increased endorphin levels in your body.
Don't shy away from making mistakes. Embrace them. They offer invaluable life lessons that striving for perfection often overlooks. Also, when you step into the professional world, strive to maintain a harmonious relationship with your boss. A strained relationship can dent your confidence if you allow it.
I trust that my advice will guide you, Abraham. I wholeheartedly wish you success in all your future pursuits. Remember, patience is key. Confidence can be nurtured through experience.
With respect,
Professor Christiansen
Zoran Zrnic
GTM Finance Manager
5
Answers
Vigo, Galicia, Spain
Updated
Zoran’s Answer
Building confidence is a process that involves learning and gaining experience. It's crucial to choose a business venture that sparks your passion. While the journey may not always be easy, staying dedicated and putting in the necessary effort will eventually lead to success and a boost in confidence.
Haley Morris
Project Manager
11
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Haley’s Answer
Boosting your confidence for a future in business is a journey that involves several key steps. Start by honing your communication skills - practice public speaking and learn to articulate your ideas with clarity. Get involved in clubs or groups that promote teamwork, as this can significantly improve your ability to work well with others. Embrace challenges head-on and see them as golden opportunities to learn and evolve, which in turn, can supercharge your self-confidence. Assume leadership roles in school assignments or after-school activities to sharpen your decision-making skills. Set achievable goals for yourself and celebrate every victory, no matter how small, to foster a positive outlook. Also, don't hesitate to reach out to mentors or business professionals to learn from their journey and gain priceless insights. Remember, confidence is not built overnight. It grows with practice and a positive mindset, so stay patient and have faith in your capabilities.
Katie Arthur
Project Manager
3
Answers
Amherst, New York
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hello Abraham! Here are some practical steps you can take to boost your confidence in the business arena:
- Engage in regular practice of speeches or discussions on various topics in front of a mirror. This will allow you to monitor the frequency of filler words such as 'umm', enabling you to gradually eliminate them from your speech. Additionally, observe your body language carefully. Maintain an upright posture, pay attention to your facial expressions, and be mindful of your hand movements.
- Consider enrolling in supplementary courses such as public speaking, debate, or Toastmasters. These platforms can provide valuable opportunities to hone your communication skills.
- Engage in regular practice of speeches or discussions on various topics in front of a mirror. This will allow you to monitor the frequency of filler words such as 'umm', enabling you to gradually eliminate them from your speech. Additionally, observe your body language carefully. Maintain an upright posture, pay attention to your facial expressions, and be mindful of your hand movements.
- Consider enrolling in supplementary courses such as public speaking, debate, or Toastmasters. These platforms can provide valuable opportunities to hone your communication skills.