Here's how you can build confidence and assertiveness in your career.

To build confidence and assertiveness in your career, you need to know and understand your true self. What you can do with ease, what you struggle to do, what you can not do, what you need to learn how to do, what you can do but need improvement Tabulate these in a journal and keep writing, this is a self-evaluation that can boost you authenticity and self-knowledge, your greatest assertiveness prowess is unleashed here.

The journey to confidence and assertiveness begins with self-awareness. Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, values, and passions provides a solid foundation. Take time for self-reflection and consider using personality assessments to gain deeper insights into who you are. When I founded Markman Media, I dedicated significant time to introspection. I identified my passion for personal branding and my talent for connecting people and ideas. This clarity gave me the confidence to pursue my mission with conviction.

Para mi lo más importante es primero conocerse a uno mismo lo mejor posible. Darnos tiempo para reflexionar: - En que somos buenos - Que debemos mejorar - Que es lo que más nos gutas hacer - Hacia donde queremos ir Toma notas (siempre ayuda), y después de eso ponte objetivos claros y reales con una fechas alcanzables. También puedes pedir retroalimentación, para ver que reputación tienes allá afuera y como puedes orientarla hacia donde vas. Y lo más importante, no tengas miedo a fracasar, pues es parte del camino y cada vez que uno fracasa, regresa más fuerte!

Clear, achievable goals provide direction and a sense of purpose. Break down larger objectives into manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way. Goal-setting not only boosts confidence but also ensures you remain focused and motivated. In the early days of Markman Media, I set specific goals for client acquisition and revenue milestones. Each achievement, no matter how small, reinforced my belief in my abilities and kept me motivated.

Assertiveness is about expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs directly and respectfully. Practice speaking up in meetings, voicing your opinions, and setting boundaries. Remember, assertiveness is a skill that improves with practice. Moderating a panel at the Unconference Bali was a significant step for me. It required assertiveness to manage the discussion and ensure all voices were heard. This experience boosted my confidence in public speaking and leadership.

Constructive feedback is invaluable for personal and professional growth. Regularly ask for feedback from colleagues, mentors, and clients. Be open to criticism and use it as a tool for improvement. I often seek feedback from my team at Markman Media. Their insights have helped me refine our services and enhance client satisfaction. Embracing feedback has been crucial in my journey toward becoming a better leader.

Failure is an inevitable part of any career. Instead of fearing it, view failure as a learning opportunity. Each setback offers valuable lessons that contribute to your growth and resilience. Not every initiative I've launched has been successful. For instance, an early marketing campaign didn’t generate the expected results. Instead of being disheartened, I analysed what went wrong, adjusted our strategy, and eventually achieved better outcomes.

Building a strong professional network is essential for career advancement. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with like-minded individuals. A robust network provides support, opportunities, and valuable insights. Networking has been a cornerstone of my career. By actively participating in events like the Unconference Bali, I’ve built meaningful relationships with industry leaders and innovators. These connections have opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations.