I got this question recently from a reader of the blog and I thought to share my answer here as some of you might be going through this.

“I just started my business recently and I am very excited about it. I have all these big goals for my new business but sometimes I feel alone and I am also worried about what people will say. What if the business fails? How do I build confidence to run my business successfully?”

This is a very valid question.

I know so many women who have not started a business or are not fulfilling their passion because of what people will say. They don’t want to be judged or criticised. So I applaud you for stepping out. 

Let me share some of my story with you as I answer this question.

My story

Many years ago when I was doing my masters in Operational Research, I knew I wanted to coach and mentor women as one of my passions is to empower women. I went on a coaching course to kickstart things and I knew in my heart this was what I was meant to be doing which was so different from my masters program…but the fear of what people will say, fear of the unknown, fear I was about to waste my masters degree, amongst other things stopped me for 6 good years!

Even when I knew I was ready, I spoke to a few friends about it and the feedback wasn’t so great. I got comments like:

• “who do u think you are to want to coach others”
• “what coaching qualifications do you have”
• “Everyone out there is calling themselves a coach, so you want to join them?”  etc

These comments affected me badly because it was from close friends and family.

However one day I asked myself when I die, then I get to heaven and God asked me if I used the gift He gave me, what would my excuse be?

That was the wake up call for me. I was done pleasing people. I decided I would do what God had called me to do.

Now my world has completely changed. I am honoured and privileged to help women/mums all over the world unlock their potential, find purpose, maximise their time and manifest their God-given dreams.

My candid advice to you would be:

1. Be careful who you share your vision with.

Not everyone can handle your God-given vision. And I don’t blame them. They probably see you at a level and can’t imagine you rising above that level..so they’ll discourage you so you can all keep living a mediocre life.  Also, if you notice it is usually those sitting on the sideline that are quick to judge others, they are scared to do anything about their lives and will criticise those that are living their dreams. Do not allow these type of people have a say in your life.

I wrote an ebook called Boosting your confidence. You may want to read it as I share practical tips in there that can help bring out the confidence that is already in you.  It is available on Amazon for just £1.99.

2. Be persistent and patience.

Rome was not built in one day. On the average a lot of businesses take about two to three years before they begin to make profit. Depending on your niche you may make profit before then. When you start out that will be your “silent years” where you are investing in yourself, learning and growing. Enjoy that stage. It is a learning process but you will do better each year. Small but consistent growth is the best way to go. Make lots of mistakes now in your “silent years” so you can learn from them.

The people who are doing well in their business today, didn’t start out like that. They have gone through their silent years and are now seeing the fruit of their labour. So never judge your today by someone who is way ahead of you in business.

3. You cannot fail!

If God has given you a vision for your business..He will help you bring it to pass which means you cannot fail. A lot of people are scared of failure so refuse to step out. Yes you might make mistakes but that doesn’t make you a failure. Your mistakes teach you what not to do again and as you learn from your mistakes you are moving closer to success.

And like Colin Powell said “there are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

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4.  Invest in relationships with others on a similar journey.

Building a business can be a very lonely journey and from your question I see you experience feeling alone sometimes. I would encourage you to find a network of women who are on a similar journey to you and have similar values to you.

Forming and investing in such a network will propel you to step out confidently. No (wo)man is an island. We were made to fellowship with others, be of support and encourage one another.

I hope you find my advise useful especially if you are in similar shoes.

Time to step out

Another thing I should mention in relation to my story above is that as a result of stepping out God gave me the vision to put together a community designed for Christian mothers who desire to live a more intentional and confident life at home, in their career, their businesses and ministries. It is called the Super Working Mum Academy.

We have women from all over the world in the Academy and these women are confidently doing amazing things in their careers and businesses. They feel empowered and get support from myself and other members in the group. The lives of these women are being transformed daily and the best part is that it has a ripple effect on their families.  

Be sure to join the waiting list below if you want to be a part of this life transforming community of women who are living in purpose and manifesting their God given dreams.

As bonus content here are 5 reasons why you should join the Super Working Mum Academy