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OCTOBER 2015
Issue: 84
        SMALL BUSINESS

             SUCCESS  


Welcome to Vantage Business Support & Insurance Services

 

We all know how important small business is to the U.S. economy. Some statistics that you may not know are:

(1) they represent 99.7% of all employer firms, (2) they employ just over half of all private sector employees,  (3) they pay 44% of total U.S. private payroll (4) have generated 64% of net new jobs in the past 15 yrs.

 

VANTAGE has been servicing the small business community for over 35 years. Over the years we have accumulated much knowledge, contacts and experience in helping to protecting small businesses and help them become successful and grow. As such, we will be publishing a semimonthly newsletter geared toward providing small businesses with the latest news, products, and guidelines to assist in their success and growth. Please feel free to comment and/or request topics that are important to you for us to research.
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This is just a sampling of what we feel would be important to you. We have much more to offer. If you have any questions or need more information please contact us at 877-886-8277 or click the link below.

  

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5 Ways Mentally Strong People Conquer Self-Doubt

Don't let insecurity get in the way of your goals.

Insecurity kills more dreams than lack of talent does. Believing things like "I'll never get promoted" or "I can't compete with the other businesses" will turn your self-doubt into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

All of us experience self-doubt sometimes, no matter how confident we are. But, mentally strong people don't let self-doubt prevent them from reaching their goals. Here's how to keep self-doubt from holding you back.

1. Embrace a little self-doubt.

Don't worry about a little self-doubt, because slight insecurity could actually bolster your performance. A 2010 study published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise found that individuals who experienced a little self-doubt actually performed better compared with people who were completely confident in their skills. Other studies have found similar results.

So rather than waste energy worrying that your self-doubt is really a sign from the universe warning you that you're about to fail, recognize that self-doubt can be helpful. Perhaps you'll spend more time rehearsing or maybe you'll put in more effort when you're aware that there's a chance it might not go smoothly.

2. Examine the evidence behind your thoughts.

When you encounter serious self-doubt, examine the truth behind your thoughts. Ask yourself, "What evidence do I have that I can't do this?" Then ask yourself, "What evidence do I have that I can do this?" Write down your answers on a piece of a paper.

Looking at the facts can help you see things in a more realistic manner. Although this exercise may not eliminate all of your self-doubt, examining the facts can help reduce your insecurities to a more helpful level.

3. Consider the worst-case scenario.

Self-doubt is fueled by catastrophic predictions like "I'm going to mess everything up." When you find yourself guessing things will go poorly, ask, "What's really the worst thing that could happen?" If you do make a mistake, would it really be that bad?

Remind yourself that even if things go terribly, it's unlikely to be life altering. Losing a game, stumbling over your lines, or failing to get a promotion probably won't matter that much in a few years. Keeping things in proper perspective can help calm your nerves.

4. Monitor your emotions.

Your emotions play a major role in how you think and behave. Anxious feelings can fuel doubtful thoughts and impair your performance, unless you take steps to regulate your emotions.

Pay attention to how your emotions influence your choices. If your anxiety skyrockets, calm your body and your mind by taking deep breaths, going for a walk, or distracting yourself with mundane tasks. Don't allow your short-term discomfort to convince you to bail out, give up, or cave in.

5. Focus on your present performance.

Whether you're stepping on a stage or running out onto an athletic field, telling yourself "I'm going to embarrass myself" will distract you from your performance. So rather than allow your inner monologue to drag you down, stay focused on the present.

Before you take the giant leap into whatever you're feeling doubtful about, give yourself a quick pep talk. Saying "All I can do is my best" will remind you that you don't need to strive for perfection. With that reminder, you'll be better equipped to put your energy where it needs to be--on your performance.


SOURCE: Amy Morin    
Author, "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do"



DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

Our firm provides the information in this e-newsletter for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles in this e-newsletter are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.
 
Small Business Products



VANTAGE has a wide range of products designed to sustain Small Business success and growth.

These products include:

Health Insurance Exchange
Group Medical
Group Dental / Vision
Disability / Critical Illness
Business Liability
Directors & Officers
Errors & Omissions
Business Interruption
Key Person Insurance
Small Business Tool Box
Workers' Compensation
Employment Practices Lia
Employee Theft
Commercial Auto
AARP Sponsored Auto & Home
Umbrella
Property
Product Liability
Start-Up Assistance
Legal Assistance
Human Resources
Marketing
Business Planning


CONTACTS

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Please contact one of our 
VANTAGE 
professionals for assistance: 
 
Paul White
510-595-0904
paulw@vantagebss.com

Steve Cannon
510-595-0906
stevec@vantagebss.com

Gerri White
510-595-0926
gerriw@vantagebss.com



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Vantage Business Support & Insurance Services
4096 Piedmont Ave # 616 / Oakland / CA / 94611
28346 Alava / Mission Viejo / CA / 92692
 

 

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