Small Business Success - It?s a Matter of Confidence

I was floored! I couldn't believe what they were saying! But there they sat -- three of the biggest film stars of our age -- telling the world they had issues with confidence. I was watching an interview where Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore were talking with Oprah Winfrey. Their conversation gave me a lot to think about in regard to small business success.

It started with Meryl making a comment about a movie she'd starred in. Her joke was about the fact that she actually quit the movie before it began filming and then ended up following through with her commitment after all. At this point, Nicole and Julianne chimed in. "I do the same thing!" was the cry. As I watched these three huge film stars go back and forth with their issues of insecurity, it dawned on me that I had something in common with these movie icons.

As a small business owner, I constantly question myself. I wonder if I have the imagination, the talent, the skills, or the drive to make it online. Yes, I'm earning a full-time living on the Web. I've done so for quite some time now. But that fact seems to play a tiny part in the establishment of my self-esteem.

Like most small business owners, and apparently at least three giant film stars, there is a constant struggle with what we *think* we can do, and what we can actually achieve. Self-doubt creeps in and - if we let it take hold - we want to quit. We question our abilities and even our successes. It has the potential to be devastating.

There is something else I learned from this interview, however. While all three of these ladies had gone so far as to call their agents and tell them they weren't making the movies they were contracted for, they still did them. Even with high levels of insecurity, they got themselves together and marched onward.

What was the end result? Most of the time, a box-office hit and millions of dollars! Yes, there have been a few "failures" for each of them. However, generally speaking, each time they made an effort something wonderful happened.

There are three things I don't think I'll ever forget about that interview.

  • Everybody - even the "rich and famous" - doubts himself or herself from time to time. Small business owners are no different. Wearing all the different "hats" of a small business owner creates the perfect environment for insecurity to creep in. It's something you will likely not completely rid your life from, but it IS something you can overcome.

  • If the risk is a calculated and reasonable one - suck it up and move onward toward your goal. Take into consideration the "logical" aspects of success. Is the risk you're about to take (expanding your services, taking on a new client, launching a new product) one that stands a good chance of success? Weigh your options. If you decide the risk is worth taking, then don't let fear stand in your way.

  • Oprah DOES have some good shows from time to time! :) So many small business owners quit before ever "making it." That's a shame. They let their doubts and fears take over, and it drives their dreams right out of the picture. If you love something - if you truly want to do a particular thing and earn an income from it - don't let anyone (including yourself) tell you that it can't be done. I think Meryl, Nicole and Julianne would agree!

    Copyright 2004 Diane Hughes

    About The Author

    Diane C. Hughes * probiztips.com

    FREE Report: Amazingly Simple (Yet Super Powerful) Ways To Skyrocket Your Sales And Build Your Business Into A Tower of Profits! ==>> probiztips.com

    tidy up service Northbrook ..
    In The News:

    Mac malware campaign uses fake AI chat results to deliver AMOS through terminal commands, security researchers report. Attackers exploit trust in AI-generated cleanup guides.
    States require AI disclosure in healthcare as California, Colorado and Utah implement laws mandating transparency when artificial intelligence influences patient care decisions.
    ETA sharing on Apple Maps and Google Maps keeps contacts updated automatically while you drive safely. Learn step-by-step instructions for iPhone and Android.
    Data removal from brokers protects against AI-powered scams and deepfake threats in 2026. Learn how data brokers sell your personal information to scammers.
    Learn how to act against cybercriminals in 2026 with essential security steps like two-factor authentication, software updates and credit freezing.
    Choose between OpenAI releasing Sora text-to-video model, the AI race heating up, or Waymo driverless cars launching in cities across the country
    Learn how to set up Google Maps and Apple Maps on your phone to automatically remember where you parked. Step-by-step instructions for enabling location services and parking detection.
    Phishing scammers use rnicrosoft.com domain to impersonate Microsoft by replacing "m" with "rn" in typosquatting attacks that steal login credentials.
    OpenAI announces new teen safety rules for ChatGPT users under 18, blocking romantic roleplay and requiring extra caution on body image topics.
    A 2025 data breach at fintech company 700Credit exposes personal information of more than 5.8 million people through compromised third-party integration partner.
    Retailers lose $76.5 billion annually to return fraud as nearly 10% of U.S. retail returns involve fraudulent activity, with $850 billion in returns expected in 2025.
    ShinyHunters claims responsibility for stealing 94GB of Pornhub user data affecting over 200 million records and demands Bitcoin ransom.
    ChatGPT 2025 now connects to Apple Music, Canva, Expedia, TripAdvisor and OpenTable through built-in apps that help users create playlists, design graphics and more.
    Apple releases emergency patches for two zero-day vulnerabilities actively exploited in attacks. iPhone and iPad users urged to update immediately.
    DoorDash launches Zesty, an AI-powered social app that recommends restaurants through conversational search, now testing in San Francisco and New York.
    Cybersecurity firm Infoblox reveals that over 90 percent of parked domains now redirect visitors to scams and malware, making simple typos extremely dangerous.
    The Fox News AI Newsletter covers the latest artificial intelligence technology advancements, including the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    GPT-5.2 is now live for all ChatGPT users with improved coding, writing and image interpretation, with Kurt Knutsson offering his review.
    New iPhone replacement scam uses pressure tactics and fake carrier calls to steal devices from buyers. Criminals claim shipping errors and demand urgent returns.
    Amazon Ring's new facial recognition feature sparks privacy controversy as Electronic Frontier Foundation critics argue the AI upgrade expands surveillance risks.
    New Android banking trojan Sturnus steals credentials, reads encrypted messages and controls devices.
    Denmark's 3D-printed student village proves automation builds 36 apartments faster than traditional methods. Skovsporet project shows housing future.
    Discover Android's new Sound Notifications feature that alerts you to smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby cries even when wearing headphones.
    New SantaStealer malware reportedly threatens holiday shoppers with password theft. This Christmas-themed info-stealer targets browsers and crypto wallets.
    The Christmas season brings a surge in Netflix phishing scams targeting shoppers with fake emails. Stacey P received convincing scam but verified account first.
  • Pressure Washing Business and Post Fire Cleanups

    Many have not experienced a fire up close. One year... Read More

    Electronic Franchise Disclosure and E-Signature Future for Investors

    It has been discussed allowing Franchising companies to electronically disclose... Read More

    How To Create A Business Note That Is More Attractive To A Note Investor

    You are selling your small business (business value under $1... Read More

    Essex Accountant: Accountancy Firm MVP for Your UK Business?

    Most business owners know when they need an accountant, but... Read More

    Tell Me a Story: A Simple But Powerful Tool to Build Your Business

    Everyone loves a good story. Whether it's the story of... Read More

    Analyzing Customers in Your Business Plan

    The Customer Analysis section of the business plan assesses the... Read More

    Computer Tips that Help Small Businesses Operate Profitably

    When working properly, computers enable small businesses to make big... Read More

    Frodos Journey: What It Can Teach You About Marketing Your Small Business

    Just recently, I took a break and caught "The Return... Read More

    Small Businesses with BIG NAMES: Protect Your Trademarks and Reap the Rewards

    You're a small business owner with a hot new product... Read More

    Shocking Experienced Copywriter Reveals Little-known Secrets To Closing BIG Ticket Deals!

    Hogwash!That's what I say to people who tell me that... Read More

    Pressure Washing and Hospital Accounts

    Most pressure washing companies never look into some of the... Read More

    Five Tips for First Time Entrepreneurs

    It seems so long ago that I started my first... Read More

    Corporate Shells

    A corporate shell could be liken to a house that... Read More

    Five Facts and One Motivating Factor Behind a Successful Home Business

    All legitimate home business entrepreneurs insist and announce loud and... Read More

    Mobile Detailing Environmental Concern in the Deep South

    Macon, GA goes after garage-gas station conversion detail/hand car washes... Read More

    Small Business Marketing Secrets: Look Like Sizzle, Be The Steak

    You've heard marketing and advertising gurus quip, "Sell the sizzle,... Read More

    Data Loss - Can Your Company Survive? (Most Do Not)

    Data. Most people think it is a term relegated to... Read More

    Pressure Washer Concrete Cleaning Equipment

    Cleaning concrete is tough and there is an easy way... Read More

    Small Business Opportunities Magazine Business

    A Small Business Opportunities Magazine is one of the new... Read More

    S Corporation ? What Is It?

    For many small businesses, the "S" corporation is the business... Read More

    North County San Diego Small Business

    North County San Diego has had some significant growth, and... Read More

    The Advisory Board: A Business Owners Most Valuable Resource

    As a company grows, the owner's role begins to change.... Read More

    California Department of Corporations Attempts to PR Their Benefits to Consumers

    On Monday the Department of Corporations in California revoked franchise... Read More

    Image of Your Franchise Automotive Outlet is So Important

    Image of your franchise automotive outlet is so important. Some... Read More

    How To Make Sure Your Customers Still Trust Your Small Business

    The stock market is still on a wild roller coaster... Read More

    reliable home cleaners Buffalo Grove ..