A strong support system feeds confidence

The Australian Businesswomen’s Network’s 2015 Hall of Fame Inductees are filled with some of Australia’s most accomplished businesswomen. One of thing we’ve noticed about this year’s inductees is that they all embody one habit that has contributed to their success. That habit is the Confidence Habit. Seeing as studies have shown that women are prone to self-doubt, especially compared to men, building that confidence isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve analysed the answers to some of the questions we asked the successful female entrepreneurs in our Hall of Fame, and pinpointed a few ways that they have cultivated the Confidence Habit. One of those techniques is to surround yourself with great people, because you can’t go it alone on this journey to success. Building an awesome team, finding the right mentors, creating a supportive peer group… these are all must-haves of Australia’s most successful businesswomen. Finding the support you need, whether it’s from building the right team, or having the right advisers and mentors, is vital when building your confidence. Advisory boards, masterminds and mentors give you that vial “sounding board” for your ideas. A study by researchers at Rutgers University – Newark, found that confidence is more likely to be developed and sustained in a supportive environment than in an adverse one. So, if you don’t have that supportive network… now is the time to start growing it, especially according to this year’s Hall of Fame Inductees. Founder and CEO of health food company, Table of Plenty, Kate Weiss, says one of the secrets of her success has been building a team of great people around her. “There is an African saying: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Attract and recruit a team who have many varied skills. Together as a whole working towards a vision, you will be a powerful force.” Pip Job, CEO of one of the nations leading landcare organisations, Little River Landcare Group Inc. says the one key learning about business she’d like to pass onto others is… “Gather a brains-trust around you. Make this a diverse collection of minds with experience both internally and externally of your industry. Don’t be afraid to ask people to contribute to your brains-trust. Knowledge is power, so the more you can gather, the better equipped you will be into the future.” To learn more strategies for cultivating the Confidence Habit, and to gain inspiration and motivation to grow your business, download our very special Keepsake Booklet. If you’re facing a number of challenges in your business that are wearing you down, you can also find inspiration and guidance to break through these challenges the way so many other female entrepreneurs have by watching our Breaking Through webinar.