Business Pitches - 5 Lessons About Boosting Self-Confidence

by Startacus Admin

Last week Diana Hallare, founder of Stateside startup The Daughterhood Coach continued her series of blog posts for Startacus on 3 Things Worth Doing Again for Your Startup and this week Diana returns and highlights some handy tips on mindset and boosting Self-Confidence when delivering a business or elevator pitch.

Over to Diana...

"Self-confidence is a key to delivering an effective business/elevator pitch. I may not have a perfect score for confidence, but here are a few of the lessons that I learned and that have to remind myself during this startup process:

Believe it. You’re an entrepreneur.

Entrepreneurship can be a source of positive pride. You do not have to hide the fact. Remember that the moments and the talents involved in your startup are assets.

Watch your language.

Refrain not only from negative words including profanity, but also from fillers such as “uhm” and “uh.” I was also taught that the phrases “kind of” and “sort of” should be avoided due to their vagueness. Be clear and organized in speaking.

Take care of your health.

This includes eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and controlling stress. Overall wellness contributes to a positive self-image.

Maintain a startup circle of trust.

Here is a modifiable recipe of the “startup circle of trust”:

• 1 cheerleader
• 1 comedian/comedienne
• 1 advisor/mentor/coach
• 1 accountability partner
• 1 co-networker/co-brainstormer
• 1 confidant
• 1 YOU

Consult one at a time; preferably have one-on-one time with your business mentor and with your confidant. You can mix the rest if you wish. Do not apply (too much) pressure, heat, or cold.

Practice makes perfect.

Practice your speeches, even the 90-second spiel. Practice walking or standing with good posture as applicable. Practice the interview, the handshake, the eye contact. Most of all, practice smiling. Even gratitude takes practice.

Cheers Diane and we look forward to your return next week! 

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Published on: 21st June 2013