In the business world, knowing how to sell yourself is not just a skill, but rather a vital necessity. Your ability to sell yourself can make or break your business. Not everyone is equipped for a life of selling. It can be something that appears innate for some people while others have to work on becoming a salesperson. However, you should all be able to at least sell yourself and thereby your business. For entrepreneurs, the ability to convince others to be willing to do business with you is essential for your success. Here are three tips on how to sell yourself and your business to help you reach your full potential.

1. Become an Expert

The simplest and easiest tip is to know your stuff. If you're not an expert in your industry, you will have little to no success selling whatever product or service you are offering to a client. You do not have to know every single little detail, but you should have a firm grasp on several aspects of the industry. Clients are reassured by entrepreneurs who demonstrate real expertise in their industry. It is important to have a real understanding of your product or service’s unique selling points, pricing and industry knowledge. Trust is a key factor when trying to market yourself or your business to clients. People trust experts, so it is vital for entrepreneurs to position themselves as someone with extensive knowledge of your niche. In addition, becoming an expert will place you in a better position when it comes to answering potential clients' questions as it gives you an opportunity to prove just how well you know your subject.

2. Tell a Story

The best way to sell yourself and your business to potential clients is to tell a story. An alluring business story discusses the reasons for starting, the challenges and difficulties you have overcome and lastly, the business’s transformation and eventual success. Stories appeal to everyone, so if you tell a story people are more likely to remember it over quantitative details. By focusing on the story first you are addressing the emotional needs of the audience and leaving the more complex details until the end. Don’t start with profit, numbers, or logistics. People do not want to be bombarded with information at the start of a presentation. Always start by addressing the client and the problem you’re going to solve for them. When trying to sell yourself and your business remember to center your story around the fact that clients don’t want to buy what you do; they want to buy why you do it.

3. Be Confident and Be Yourself

When selling yourself and your business to potential clients there is no time to act shy or timid. You cannot successfully market yourself or your business if you’re not willing to put yourself out there. Luckily, if you have done your research and feel like an expert in your field, it will help instill confidence in you. Once you know you are an expert in your field and you are offering an amazing product or service, it will be abundantly easier for you to be confident in your presentation. When presenting, your confidence should shine through in your tone, body language and actions. Make sure your confidence is not coming off in an arrogant or cocky manner, but instead convey someone who is sure of themselves and their capabilities. Potential clients are more likely to trust someone who appears confident about their skills and abilities and can articulate their past successes as a building block to future successes. While portraying your confidence, also remember to be yourself. Potential clients want to see authenticity, so don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and show your strengths and weaknesses. If you are trying to sell yourself and your business, be your authentic self. Potential clients will see right through you pretending to be something you are not.

Knowing how to properly and effectively sell yourself and your business is a vital factor in your business's success. It takes practice, commitment and effort, but you will reap the benefits of doing so. Remember to express confidence, preparation, expertise and client-centered communication. At the end of the day, selling is all about making a connection with people. Be your authentic self and show you are someone people can put their trust in. Once you have trust, you can start to sell your product or service successfully. The unique way you decide to present yourself and your business to potential clients makes all the difference between a flop and a triumph.