Unlock: Build Business Confidence Women & Find Your CEO Voice
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Sep 7, 2024
- 7 min read
Unlock Your Inner CEO: How to Build Rock-Solid Business Confidence, One Smart Step at a Time
Ever had that heart-sinking moment, scrolling through Instagram late at night (probably with one eye open after the fifth bedtime story), seeing all these seemingly uber-confident female entrepreneurs, & a tiny voice whispers, "Could I ever be like that?" If you’re nodding along, possibly while also trying to fish a rogue Lego out of the sofa cushions, then lovely, this one’s for you.
As a fellow CEO, a mum of four, navigating the beautiful chaos of PhD research, family life (complete with our two lively Miniature Pinschers, Cappuccino & Espresso!), & running Femmeprenista, I know that "business confidence" can feel like a mystical unicorn when you're just starting out. When I was first setting up Femmeprenista, I remember one time I was so unsure of my pricing I almost didn't send the invoice! But I’m here to tell you a secret: it’s not magic, & it’s definitely not just for the lucky few.
Confidence Isn't Magic, It's Made
Let’s get one thing straight right from the get-go: that unshakeable business confidence you admire? It’s not some mythical creature only a chosen few are born with. And it certainly doesn’t just magically appear once you’ve registered your business name or printed your first set of business cards (though those are exciting steps!). Business confidence, my dear friend, is a skill. It’s something you actively build, brick by practical brick, through intentional actions & powerful mindset shifts. It’s about taking radical personal responsibility for how you show up, for the thoughts you entertain, & for the energy you bring to your business, even when it feels like you’re trying to build an empire during naptime with a toddler using your leg as a climbing frame – trust me, I get it!
I remember when I first switched from a public primary school where I felt completely lost and voiceless to a private school mid-year. It was terrifying! I felt miles behind everyone else, and my confidence was on the floor. But slowly, by taking small steps – asking one question in class, then another, then daring to share an idea – my confidence started to grow. It wasn't an overnight transformation; it was a process of owning my journey and my right to learn & speak up, even when teachers initially tried to tell me to "shut up & sit down" (thank goodness for my dad who fiercely advocated for me back then!). That same principle applies to building your business confidence. It’s about finding your footing, one strategic step at a time, & understanding that cultivating a resilient entrepreneurial mindset is absolutely foundational to your success. You can learn more about our holistic approach on How We Work / The Business Flourish Framework Page.
The First Bricks: Small Actions, Big Confidence
So, how do we start laying these confidence bricks, especially when things like imposter syndrome, that sneaky fear of being ‘found out,’ or the sheer terror of putting yourself out there feel like they’re building a wall instead? The answer, lovely, is action. Small, consistent, strategic action.
It’s not about grand, sweeping gestures. It’s about the daily commitment to moving forward, even if it’s just one tiny step. Think of it like this:
Research your ideal client: Interview three potential customers this week.
Draft a piece of content that feels truly ‘you’: Brainstorm five topics you're genuinely passionate about.
Reach out to a potential collaborator: Send one introductory email.
Refine your offer based on feedback: Ask a past client for one area you could improve.
…you’re adding a brick.
One of the most potent confidence-builders in the early stages is validation. Getting those first bits of positive feedback, making that first sale (however small!), or seeing your idea resonate with real people – these are like rocket fuel for your self-belief. This is where taking decisive action, like truly validating your business idea & perhaps even securing your first clients, becomes so powerful. It proves to you that you can do this. (Spark Program Page If you're looking for a structured way to take these initial brave steps, our Spark Program is designed to guide Foundation Builders just like you through this very process of validation & planning.)
I often think of my six-year-old learning to ride her bike. There were wobbles, there were falls, & there were moments she wanted to give up. But with persistence, & making it a bit fun by taking the pressure off (and a lot of cheering from the sidelines!), she eventually found her balance. Each little push, each moment she stayed upright a second longer, built her confidence. Your business journey is much the same. Celebrate those small wins; they are the bedrock of unshakeable self-belief.
Finding Your Roar: The Power of Your Authentic Voice
Now, let’s talk about something really close to my heart: your voice. In a world buzzing with advice & ‘shoulds,’ finding & owning your authentic voice is one of the most empowering things you can do. It’s your unique superpower!
I remember my university days. I started at one place & felt completely out of sync, like I was trying to fit into a box that just wasn’t me. It was only when I listened to my intuition & moved to the University of East London, where I found my ‘tribe’ & a more diverse, accepting environment (plus a course that genuinely excited me with its business-focused marketing elements), that I truly started to find my academic & personal voice. That experience taught me the profound importance of authenticity & being in a space where you feel you can truly be yourself.
Your business needs that same authenticity. When you speak from your heart, share your genuine perspectives (even the quirky ones!), & let your true personality shine through in your marketing, your messaging, & even how you describe your services, something magical happens. You start to attract the right people – your people. And guess what? That fear of pricing, that anxiety about whether you’re ‘worth it’? It starts to fade when you’re deeply connected to your value & communicating it authentically. Suddenly, it’s not about convincing; it’s about connecting with those who resonate with your unique flair. It’s been shown that businesses with strong, authentic brands are more likely to attract loyal customers & stand out in a crowded marketplace. Building this foundational confidence is a key part of your journey; Femmeprenista Work With Us to learn more about how Femmeprenista supports female entrepreneurs.
You’re Not Alone in the Beautiful Chaos
Okay, let’s be real. Juggling the beautiful, bonkers chaos of motherhood with the ambition of building a business is… a lot. There are days when you feel like a multitasking queen, & others when you’re pretty sure your main food group has become leftover fish fingers, & your ‘office’ has been commandeered for a den-building project involving every cushion in the house.
Just the other day, I was trying to record a super important, insightful video for our community. I’d finally got the toddler daughter down for a nap, my eldest was (supposedly) doing homework, & I thought, ‘Right, golden hour!’ Five minutes in, my six-year-old bursts into the room, brandishing a recorder she’d found at the back of a cupboard, & proceeds to give an impromptu, rather ear-splitting concert. Espresso, our hyperactive Min Pin, thought this was a cue for a celebratory zoomie session around my feet, while Cappuccino, her mum, just gave me that long-suffering look that only a seasoned parent (of puppies or humans!) can master. Confidence in that moment? Let’s just say it took a brief holiday! To be totally honest, I once completely flubbed a live webinar because I was so distracted worrying about my daughter's school play rehearsal – I forgot half my talking points! But you know what? The audience was incredibly understanding, & it taught me that sometimes, showing that vulnerability actually builds trust & connection.
And that’s okay! It’s part of the journey. But what makes these moments manageable, & even laughable later, is knowing you’re not alone. The isolation of early-stage entrepreneurship, especially when you’re also deep in the trenches of parenting, can be tough on your self-belief. That’s why a supportive community is an absolute game-changer. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Connecting with fellow entrepreneurs who understand your challenges, who can share a virtual eye-roll or a massive high-five, can make all the difference – Femme:Connect Community Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/femmeconnect) & find your tribe.
Laying a Foundation of Self-Belief: Your Blueprint for Confidence
So, to all you amazing Foundation Builders out there, like Chloe who inspired this post, here’s the truth: you absolutely have the power to build unshakeable business confidence. It’s not about waiting for it to strike you like lightning; it’s about consciously, intentionally laying that foundation, brick by brick. This journey of building business confidence is deeply intertwined with how you approach your business as a whole.
Ready to take charge of your confidence journey, Foundation Builder? Here's your quick-start checklist:
Challenge a limiting belief: Identify one thought that's holding you back and reframe it with a positive spin.
Celebrate a small win: Acknowledge every milestone, no matter how small, and give yourself credit for your progress.
Connect with one fellow entrepreneur: Share your experiences and support each other on your journeys.
Take one step towards your big goal: Identify one small action you can take today to move closer to your vision.
It’s all about helping you grow in every area. You can learn more about our complete framework on How We Work / The Business Flourish Framework Page.
Building your business is an incredible adventure, & yes, it will test you. But every challenge overcome, every fear faced, & every authentic step taken will forge a deeper, more resilient business confidence within you. You are capable. You are resourceful. And you, my dear, are ready to build that unshakeable belief in yourself & your vision.
Ready to start laying those foundational bricks of business confidence with a community of women who truly get it? Head over to our Femme:Connect Community Page (https://www.femmeprenista.com/femmeconnect) to connect with fellow female entrepreneurs, share your journey, & build that confidence, together!
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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