Dear Friend and Fellow Business Owner,

You’ve heard it said, “The meek shall inherit the earth,” and that modesty is a virtue. But in the business world, meekness and modesty won’t get you far. Dan Kennedy contends that confidence and assertiveness are crucial to making deals and standing out in a competitive market. Today, I want to talk about why being meek is a problem in business.

First, understand that business is a battlefield. It’s a place where competition is fierce, and only the strong survive. If you’re meek, you’ll get trampled. Meekness means you’re not standing up for yourself or your ideas. You’re letting others take the lead, and that’s a surefire way to blend into the background. In business, you need to be noticed. You need to make your presence felt. Kennedy believes that if you’re not confident in your value, why should anyone else be?

Take negotiations, for example. If you approach a deal meekly, you’re likely to get the short end of the stick. Kennedy teaches that you must be assertive, clearly state what you want, and be prepared to walk away if your terms aren’t met. Confidence in negotiations shows that you know your worth and aren’t willing to settle for less. Being meek in these situations can cost you money, opportunities, and respect.

Think about pitching your ideas. If you’re modest to the point of downplaying your ideas, you’ll never get the buy-in you need. Kennedy argues that you must present your ideas with conviction. Show why they’re valuable and why they should be taken seriously. Meekness can make your ideas seem less important, less innovative, and less worth investing in. Confidence, on the other hand, inspires trust and excitement.

Look at successful entrepreneurs like Elon Musk or Richard Branson. Do you think they got where they are by being meek? Absolutely not. They are bold, confident, and unafraid to assert their vision. Musk didn’t build SpaceX and Tesla by being modest about his goals. He set audacious targets and pursued them with relentless confidence. Branson didn’t create the Virgin empire by being meek. He took risks, stood out, and promoted his brand with vigor.

In your business, you need to adopt a similar mindset. If you’re meek, you’ll find yourself constantly overshadowed by those who are more assertive. Kennedy teaches that you need to step into the spotlight, showcase your strengths, and make sure your voice is heard. This doesn’t mean being arrogant or dismissive of others, but it does mean recognizing your own value and making sure others recognize it too.

If you’re too modest about promoting your products or services, you’re missing out on potential customers. Kennedy emphasizes that you must be bold in your marketing efforts. Tell the world why your product is the best, why your service is unparalleled, and why people should choose you over your competitors. Meekness in marketing means your message gets lost in the noise.

Moreover, leadership requires confidence. If you’re meek, your team will lack direction and motivation. Kennedy believes that strong leadership is about making decisions, taking responsibility, and guiding your team with confidence. Your team needs to see that you believe in the mission and in their ability to achieve it. Meek leaders create uncertainty, while confident leaders inspire action and loyalty.

Bottom line: meekness can be a significant barrier to success. It prevents you from fully expressing your value, negotiating effectively, and leading with impact. Confidence and assertiveness, on the other hand, propel you forward. They help you secure better deals, gain buy-in for your ideas, market your products effectively, and lead with authority.

So, stop believing that meekness and modesty are virtues in the business world. Embrace your confidence. Stand up for your ideas. Promote your value. Lead with conviction. In doing so, you’ll stand out in the competitive market and pave the way for lasting success. Dan Kennedy’s logic is clear: be bold, be assertive, and don’t let meekness hold you back.

If you would like to develop a brave and strategic approach to attracting more customers, patients, or patrons, give me a call at 301-873-5791 or go to www.elaunchers.com to book an appointment.   And remember, fortune favors the bold!

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.