Credibility
in the Making:
Marketing Yourself With Confidence
The way we present ourself
to others influences their confidence in us and our ability to perform.
Confidence is not thinking that we know it all or have it all. Confidence
is a style expressed in our communication with those with whom we
come in contact.
Tips for Building Credibility
1. Do your homework. Read,
listen, study, ask questions. Do whatever it takes to build your professional
competency.
2. Present your ideas with
confidence. Be direct and respectful. Verbal softeners, such as "This
may sound silly but.." position you poorly. Instead begin your comments
with "Based on what I read last week in the report, I believe..."
3. Communicate in a respectful
and professional manner. Don't frown, act tough or develop a nervous
giggle when communicating important business information or ideas.
4. When debating business
issues, keep emotion out of your words. Raised voices, shaky voices,
anger and emotional frustration, take the discussion off track.
5. Dress the part. You
probably wouldn't wear an evening gown to a softball game, or a jogging
suit to formal dinner. Business dress varies from event to event and
company to company. Know what is appropriate and dress accordingly.
Refrain from too much glitz. You want people to concentrate on your
ideas, knowledge and professional expertise, not on your clothes or
jewelry.
6. Be yourself. Don't try
imitate others. People are most comfortable with people who are comfortable
with themselves.
Credibility comes from
the genuine expression of your knowledge and experience. Confidence
comes from knowing what you know and also what you don't, and considering
both in your strategies.
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