-Influence and impact begin with authentic confidence.

When you walk into a room, what’s the first impression people have of you?

You might think you’re not selling anything if you’re not in a conventional sales position. But you would be wrong. You are always selling yourself.

Think about it from the reverse angle. Many times throughout the day, when you encounter other people, you constantly decide, do I believe this person? Am I on board with what they are saying? Do I trust them? Do they have my best interests at heart? Are they looking for a win-win? Do I want what they are selling?

Chances are, even if you don’t want the other person is selling, you might admire their confidence. Perhaps even be a little envious of it. You might wonder, “How can I have that kind of conviction about what I am doing, pursuing or advocating?”

Now, let’s switch back to you. How convinced are you that what you do in your job and life is somehow important or useful? If you can find just one tiny little aspect of what you do that is meaningful, you can expand on that to create authentic confidence. You need to sell yourself on yourself.

Once you do, watch out, world!

This is especially important for leaders. But as I always say, everybody is always “leading” in some way because everything we do influences or impacts others. The question is, are we accountable for our leadership and for the impression we leave behind when we exit the room?

So before you walk into the next meeting, have that hard conversation or make that next request, ask yourself, what am I selling about myself? Because people “buy” the person first before they buy the product, idea or suggestion.

Then, think about who you are selling to. What does the other person or group of people want? What’s in it for them? What do they stand to gain? Try to balance what you are selling with what people want. You might not be a match for everyone, but with true confidence about what’s meaningful and valuable for you, those who decline will at least walk away with respect for your conviction.

So whether you are a leader in a formal position, a team member or just  in your everyday life, figure out what excites you about you and learn how to share that with others.

You would be amazed how that can change your day, career, and life.

Till next week,

Jo-Aynne Von Born, Leadership and Executive Coach

Work Your Authentic Genius.

What drives you, whether it’s directly related to your work or not? How can you tap into that authentic confidence to fuel all the activities you need to do today and this week?