I remember when I launched my first e-book; you could hear crickets on my sales page… wtf! I couldn’t understand what I did wrong. I did my homework; there was a need for the product and similar products did well in my market. So, what was the problem? During a moment of “God Help Me, Jesus!” , it came to me… they didn’t believe me!! They didn’t believe I was who I said I was hence; they didn’t believe my product could do what I said it could do. In other words, I was not credible! I hadn’t yet been able to prove to my readers that they could trust me, that I was fair, honest and knowledgeable in my business. I began to understand there were a few things that I would have to get under my belt before I would be able to reach the level of success I wanted and deserved. These are the same factors that make us credible not only in business but credible to those we love and the things we care about.
1-Experience
There’s no getting around it; you have to know what you’re doing. Even though the people you love and care about can be tolerant and patient when you falter, there will come a time when your incompetence will cost you. In business, the price you pay for your lack of experience and know-how will be fierce and immediate! Take the time to gain experience that is both credible and respected. Be patient. Early on, you’re going to think you’ve got it down, but trust me, you probably don’t! This is one of the hardest things to accept in the process. Yes, you know more than you used to, but not enough to be trusted with people’s time, money and loyalty. Gaining real and effective experience can be grueling but it always pays off!
2-Time
Greatness takes time! You have to keep in mind that during this time you’re going to stumble and fall a few times before you get the full swing of things. Don’t fret; we learn some of our greatest lessons when we make mistakes. Be diligent; persevere! It may be painful and frustrating at times, but that’s only because you want it now! It helps to have a sense of the average time it will take to reach your goal based on others who, under similar circumstances, have succeeded. Let that be a soft guide for you. It’s okay if at some point you need to move the goal line. When you’re ready, you’ll know it. You’ll begin to get more green lights and you’ll be able to speak about what you do more fluidly. Look for this; it’s a very important sign that you’re making progress. Until then, keep working, learning and growing. Take your time. Get ready!
3-Consistency
Consistency allows those you want to impact to learn that they can depend on you to do what you say you’re going to do over and over and over again, with the only difference being that you get a little bit better every time! The challenge with being consistent is that in the beginning, it goes unrewarded. The tenacity that it takes to follow through every time builds the type of muscle that prepares you for success.
So, bottom line:
Keep your word.
Stay on schedule.
Stay on task.
Follow through.
Keep your word.
Stay on schedule.
Stay on task.
Follow through.
Keep your word.
Stay on schedule.
Stay on task.
Follow through!
4-Validation
These days validation in business comes in a lot of different forms: likes, subscribers, shares, and yes… money! It’s important to understand that you may be very good at what you do for a long time before any of these things begin to fully manifest for you. So, even though these factors are key to getting your business off the grown, don’t rely solely on them as indicators of the level of your credibility or expertise. As you continue to master the skills to build your business, surround yourself with peers or join a master mind group. Their job will be to not only support you as you grow but to tell you the truth! These are the people that will provide the validation you need until your numbers begin to do it. However, let’s say you never reach your desired level of success.
Know that through:
• The practice of gaining experience,
• Exercising your tenacity and patience,
• Establishing the discipline to keep trying, and
• Securing the support of those you respect,
you will have gained immeasurable value and personal substance. And these qualities will always allow you to find a way to make a difference and create positive impact not only in business but in life.
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Author: Robin Oxford-Davis
Robin is a the creator of begintobelieve.com - a prayerful & practical guide to believing in yourself! She's also the author of the ebook How to Begin to Believe!
