自信的创业者绝不会做的7件事

    5. 担心竞争对手

    担心竞争对手和了解竞争对手的最新动向是两码事。明智的做法是，了解目前市场上有哪些产品与服务，但就像对待外部评价一样，如果你一味想要与竞争对手“跟风攀比”，最后你将失去真正超越竞争对手的机会。

    若想比竞争对手先行一步，创业者应该考虑所在市场的客户有哪些需求未得到满足，并致力于解决这些需求。

    6. 躲避社交和公开演讲

    在寻找行业需求时，内向者和害羞的人不得不面对一个残酷的现实：充满自信地进行有效沟通的能力，是创造一项业务的关键。

    对于大多数创业者而言，具备良好的社交与演讲技能至关重要，因为其他人对你的印象会影响他们对你的产品或公司的感受。如果你并不擅长社交或演讲，可以参加演讲会，或当地商会组织的免费活动。

    7. 忽视主流趋势或时事

    及时了解最新科技、国内国际新闻和其他主流文化流行趋势，会给人带来一种沉着的自信。社会对公司有巨大的影响，不论公司处在哪个行业或利基市场；而了解最新流行趋势，有助于你完善公司的产品与业务。

    着眼于未来，致力于解决即将出现的需求，当然很重要，但当前趋势可以帮助你预测即将发生的事情。可以订阅博客与网站，如CNN、《纽约时报》（The New York Times）、《连线》杂志（Wired）和新闻网站Reddit等，了解流行文化的最新动向。

    不论你是在一屋子潜在客户中间开展社交攻略，还是与信任的员工开发一款最新的创新产品，自信都很重要，自信就是相信你的品牌、公司和你自己。

    你如何提高自信？欢迎在评论中告诉我们。（财富中文网）

    译者：刘进龙/汪皓

    5. Worry about competitors

    There’s a difference between worrying about competitors and knowing what they are up to. It’s smart to see what products and services are available in your current market, but just like external validation, if you get caught up in trying to “keep up with the Joneses,” it doesn’t leave much room for actually outpacing your competition.

    If you want to stay on top, think of all the ways the customers in your market aren’t being served, and focus on solving that need.

    6. Avoid networking and public speaking

    When it comes to finding out industry needs, it’s a cold, hard truth for introverts and other shy people that being able to communicate confidently and well is key to building a business.

    For most entrepreneurs, having good networking and speaking skills are key, as others’ impressions of you will in turn influence how they feel about your product or company. If you aren’t good at networking or speaking, try joining Toastmasters or attending free events by your local chamber of commerce.

    7. Be ignorant of trends or current events

    There’s a quiet confidence that comes from staying up to date with the latest technology, national and international news and other trends that are popular in mainstream culture. Society has a huge effect on businesses, no matter the industry or niche, and knowing what’s popular now can help influence and improve products and businesses.

    While it’s important to look to the future to solve upcoming needs, current trends can help predict what’s happening next. Subscribe to blogs and websites such as CNN, The New York Times, Wired and Reddit to see what is new and part of current pop culture.

    Whether you are networking in a room filled with potential customers or working with your trusted employees on a new, innovative product, confident entrepreneurship means trusting in your brand, business and yourself.

    What do you do to boost your confidence? Let us know in the comments section below.