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Chamber Blog

Is Fear of Failure Holding Your Business Back?

Submitted by LauraS on Tue, 01/31/2017 - 6:13pm

Ghosts, ghouls and goblins — oh my! While children clad in Halloween costumes may fear witches and zombies, many Villa Park businesses are equally terrified of failure. But since failure is an inevitable part of growing a small business, fear of failure could be holding you and your business back from success. Here are six ways to overcome your fear of failure:

Go step by step.

When we’re scared, it’s easy for fear of failure to paralyze us and we end up doing nothing. Instead of taking an all - or - nothing approach, break down what scares you into small, manageable parts. For example, if you’re afraid to approach potential investors for financing because they might say no, break it down into smaller tasks: researching potential investors, making a list of the most promising possibilities, finding connections through the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce to introduce you, developing your pitch and so on. Going step-by-step, you’re more likely to succeed, and each success will build your confidence.

22 Qualities that make a Great Leader

Submitted by LauraS on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 12:44pm

1. Focus 

“It’s been said that leadership is making important but unpopular decisions. That’s certainly a partial truth, but I think it underscores the importance of focus. To be a good leader, you cannot major in minor things, and you must be less distracted than your competition. To get the few critical things done, you must develop incredible selective ignorance. Otherwise, the trivial will drown you.”  —Tim Ferriss, bestselling author, host of The Tim Ferriss Show 

2. Confidence

“A leader instills confidence and ‘followership’ by having a clear vision, showing empathy and being a strong coach. As a female leader, to be recognized I feel I have to show up with swagger and assertiveness, yet always try to maintain my Southern upbringing, which underscores kindness and generosity. The two work well together in gaining respect.” —Barri Rafferty, CEO, Ketchum North America