How do I sell myself short?

Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of selling themselves short in front of others. It’s basically a misrepresentation of themselves in our entrepreneurial world in a way that doesn’t do justice to their abilities and their skillset.

This can happen as you meet a new client or even as you meet another peer. Being aware of how you are undervaluing yourself is the first step to bringing yourself into a more positive and forward-moving direction.

How does selling yourself short happen?

If you are not too sure about whether you have been or are currently selling yourself short of your actual worth, here are a few examples of what it looks like to others:

  • You spend time downplaying your achievements and your qualifications because you want to appear modest but in reality, it makes you appear incompetent. In other words, you assume that because certain skills are easy for you, they’re not worth mentioning or celebrating with others.
  • You are afraid of taking chances and making mistakes, so you settle for doing something average instead of challenging. Fear holds you back instead of moving you forward.
  • You are afraid to communicate what’s on your mind, so you accept what everyone asks and you never negotiate.

Is this you?

How you can represent yourself in a better way 

You can do justice to yourself and your abilities by doing the following:

  • Be accurate about your qualifications and achievements leaving no room to hide your true value. When you state the facts, it leaves no room for misunderstanding.
  • Be bold enough to take risks and open to making mistakes while learning from them. It’s better to be vulnerable than being an imposture.
  • Confidently communicate what’s on your mind regardless of how big or small the thought might be. It’s a skill that can be learned when you practice starting with small steps. Confidence doesn’t equate to arrogance.

Final thoughts

Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of allowing themselves to be undervalued through their words and actions. It is up to you to hold your ground and accurately represent your true worth for the world to see and accept. It’s true that those around you may appreciate some modesty, but you must remember you are your own best advocate. It’s your turn to shine. Believing in your value and knowing you’re good at what you do doesn’t make you arrogant. It makes you trustworthy, and communicating that trust is how you take your business to the next level.

Trust me. If you sell yourself short and don’t share your good qualities, you don’t give the next person the opportunity to build on their strengths in believing what is truly possible.

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