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Karen Power

"I don't think my family really understands fully what it means to give up the regular pay cheque and go it alone. My mum tends to ask how things are going, but families can feel uncomfortable with change." Read more

Sector ::

Social Care | Education

Hi Rasheed,

I'm not a very confident person but I think I have a great business idea that I want to explore further. My problem is that I have been told that it is best to go to a government agency such as Business Link for help with business plans etc.

I am very concerned that my shyness may hold me back and that I may not be able to get my idea across to a business advisor. I am also a bit worried as to how I will cope with meeting a whole range of new people.

Do you have any advice?

Jennifer, Leeds

Rasheed replies:

Dear Jennifer,

Your question about confidence emerges a lot. Many, many people in business and considering starting up feel as you do - so you're not alone by any means.

If you do have a great business idea that you want to explore further then now's is the time to address all these issues. Remember being shy and not as confident in new environments is fairly natural - so visualising yourself meeting new people, being relaxed and developing your ideas will help prepare you. This is important because being in business does mean stepping into the world and sharing the wonderful things you do with others.

The other side of this is that many people have great ideas and the real magic is the courage and ability to follow it through. Courage is not the absence of fear but the heart to take the journey anyway.

Sometimes our perceived lack of confidence is down to wanting certainty. As far as business - and indeed life overall - is concerned there are few guarantees. But you can research, plan, get support, test the ground and take considered risks to be as prepared as we can. Indeed the positive thing about fear is it's there to ensure we take these measured steps.

So first things first: it's important that you clarify exactly what your personal and business goals are, clarify the steps you need to get there and the tools, resources and support you'll need to achieve it. Doing this will help you identify whether it's a journey that is appealing and feels safe and right for you. Like going on a long haul holiday somewhere you've never been - you may be nervous at first but once you're clear about where we're going, WHY and how we'll prepare aptly your confidence to make the journey successfully will develop.

So my advice - that addresses the above and your second point about approaching government agencies like business link - is that you book onto The Complete Start Up Guide a free all day seminar Business Link London hold regularly. Visit www.bllondon.co.uk or What's New page of my website www.rasaru.com for the next dates. It's often full but if you show up on the day you'll get in, as many people drop out. It will help you clarify your business planning, you'll get an opportunity to meet Business Link advisors and see how they can help you. I run the afternoon session that will help develop your vision, self belief and plan of action. I also run a similar workshop called Boost your Business each month and the details for this are on my website too.

Meanwhile remember many people have self doubts, are shy etc. But the key to success is that you focus, work from and build on your strengths - rather than being sidetracked by real or imagined weaknesses. This is the birthplace of both success and happiness. So my homework for you is that you list all your strengths, skills, qualities and challenges you're overcome personally and professionally. Keep these in mind all the time. The magic is seeing how wonderful you are and being and celebrating yourself in every step you take. Enjoy the journey.

Best wishes, Rasheed