BBC News is showing the 2008 US elections with Obama at the voting station doing his duty. Do you think Barack Obama voted for himself or for his opponent McCain? I don’t think there is any doubt. Obama will have truly believed that he is the right person for US president and he would have voted for himself. Absolutely no question. His entire campaign was focused on pushing himself as the next president.
Do you have the same attitude and approach to selling your service and product? Do you believe wholeheartedly that what you can provide to your customers is the best they can find on the market place? Because that is what Obama believes. He believes that nobody else can run the country, this world power, as well as he can.
That’s some confidence isn’t it. Guess what. It’s going to pay off. Would you imagine that Obama might have the odd murmur of self-doubt? It would be totally unbelievable if he didn’t. Of course he must wonder whether he is up to the task especially with the recent melt-down in financial markets. Does he ever show it in public? Probably not, or not what has been picked up on camera or in sound bites.
What can you learn from this unbelievable show that in fact both US candidates have put on, not only Obama. It pays to look confident. It is important to be powerful in your demeanour, it is vital you come across a winner who has the solution for people. In the case of Obama he has the solution for 300 million people. Well not really, but he certainly knows how to put on a good show of pretending he does.
What distinguishes you from Barack Obama? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. You can believe in your abilities as much as he can. You can promote yourself as much as he can. You can’t raise that kind of money I bet you are thinking. Well nobody thought any presidential candidate would be able to do what Obama did. Bet you even he was surprised.
In your case, starting off with a small business, you just need to persuade a few people of how good you are. I am positive that when Anita Roddick started her first tiny Body Shop in Brighton she did not anticipate the success she eventually had. But she started nevertheless believing that she had great products that people would want.
Do you believe you have a great service or product you can provide, in fact the best in the country? Better believe it. And just to make it an even firmer belief, make sure you surround yourself with people who also believe in what you have to offer. It’s contagious, uplifting and a must have morale booster. You don’t have anyone? Get a coach.
on Nov 4th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I think that believing in yourself and showing your confidence in your beliefs can take you far in your business and in your personal life.
Someone could have the best experience and idea but unless they project a confidant image, they won’t be trusted as the person to go to for their expertize.
I agree that Obama projects that calm confidence that is needed to succeed.
on Nov 26th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
A wonderfully, inspiring post to all those out there who may doubt themselves and their ability. This post is a great addition to the Lives and Times blog carnival (which is where I clicked on your link).
on Nov 26th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Thanks Nicole. As a non-American I find Obama inspiring.