We all need self belief. Every day, we face challenges in our personal lives, professionally, and also random challenges from left field. Walking down the street takes confidence. A person with low self esteem finds every aspect of life difficult. We all need a minimum level of self confidence simply to get on with the unpredictable business of living. Some of us need far more than this.

Entrepreneurs in particular need high levels of self confidence. As a hypnotherapist specialising in confidence and self esteem, Ive helped a number of entrepreneurs to work through their difficulties and develop that hard core of self belief which they need. Perhaps the most surprising thing Ive learned from this experience is that there isnt a single quality called confidence, but a complex blend of qualities, and there isnt any right formula there are many different profiles which can be successful.

Building a business takes exceptional self belief. And, as we all know, business carries risk. There are very few businesses which have grown continuously, knowing nothing but success. Most businesses are like walking an improbable balancing act, moving continuously from one unstable position to the next. And like a toddler, most businesses stumble and fall occasionally before they become really competent. How does a toddler cope with falling? Well, by picking himself up, of course. But something else is happening as well. The toddler is learning. Learning through experience. And the pain can be quickly forgotten if we wish.

The people I work with do not conform to a single type. Indeed, I make a point of assessing each client against a confidence profile to ensure that we can home in on their specific weaknesses, and exploit their strengths. People of widely varying personality profiles can be successful in business. What we all need, I believe, is an intelligent awareness of our strengths and weaknesses so that we can exploit our strengths effectively.

People come to me when things arent going well. Nobody visits a hypnotherapist or indeed, any kind of therapist when everythings fine. Especially not entrepreneurs. Theyre just too busy. But when a business isnt going according to plan, the bravest and most honest business leaders will look within themselves for at least some of the reasons. I admire this honesty.

The good news is that we can all develop and enhance our self confidence. I would urge any entrepreneur whose business is struggling to look within themselves for some of the answers to their questions. I believe that we are all capable of becoming successful entrepreneurs. And I know that we can all learn, and change, and improve the way we meet the world. This applies even when things are going well, because life is change and entrepreneurs are the canaries of our society, the people most openly exposed to economic and social change. If hard times are coming, the first signs will be felt by the self-employed entrepreneur.