Confidence is key for professionals in every industry, including the promotional products industry. Promotional consultants must believe in their sales ability and be self-assured when meeting with prospects and clients. Likewise, suppliers must believe in their offerings and convincingly communicate their value to distributors.

Building up your confidence won’t happen overnight. However, there are some things you can do now that can help you bolster your self-assurance, according to writer Mary Kate Miller. In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we share Miller’s thoughts on some data-backed ways to build your confidence.

1. Get dressed up. Your clothes can impact your confidence, according to a study in Social Psychological and Personality Science. The study found that professionals in formal clothing outperformed those in casual attire on a series of tasks. Those in more formal clothing weren’t just more confident—they also showed more focus. Miller recommends dressing for the occasion, whether you want to get your creative juices flowing or you are facing some tight deadlines.

2. Go for the goals. Simply setting goals can give you a shot of confidence. When you know what you are working toward, you won’t feel directionless or listless, says Miller. Goal-setting allows you to see your progress and successes, which can help increase your motivation and self-esteem.

3. Just do it. Many professionals wait until they feel confident enough to do something. However, confidence comes by taking action. Do the thing you think you would do if you had more self-assurance, says Miller. Whether that’s asking for the job, taking a course or trying your hand at something new, don’t wait to go for it. Confidence gets stronger with action.

4. Look for the silver lining. Positive thinking can significantly bolster your confidence. According to The Mayo Clinic, you can cultivate positive thoughts by practicing hopeful statements, reflecting on what you have learned, forgiving yourself and encouraging yourself. Miller says negative thoughts are often limiting beliefs in disguise. Commit to reframing those negative thoughts to start feeling more confident.

5. Try meditation. A Stanford study revealed that when people meditated, they lessened their anxiety and began to think more positively about themselves. Miller notes that there are meditations to help with specific situations, whether you want to overcome a certain fear or you want to be more present.

6. Pay attention to your posture. Simply adjusting how you sit or stand can bolster your confidence. Instead of slouching in your chair, roll your shoulders back and sit tall. Instead of standing with your hands in your pockets or with your arms crossed, let your arms remain loose and stand with your feet on the ground in an open, wide stance, recommends Miller.

7. Invest in your relationships. Strong professional and personal relationships can often lead to improved confidence. The opposite is also true, according to Miller. People with strong confidence also enjoy more meaningful relationships.

Confidence comes with time. The more you practice the strategies above, the more confidence you can build. Whether you choose to be brave and go for something you have wanted to do, or you want to try meditating or watching your posture, mix and match these ideas to strengthen your self-assuredness.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Mary Kate Miller writes about small business, real estate and finance. In addition to Foundr, her work has been published by The Washington Post.