Q. How can I overcome the nerves that come with meeting new people and trying to build my business, especially when I still feel like I’m learning the ropes? As a new broker, I want to show confidence and build trust – but it’s hard when I’m still finding my feet. Any advice?
First up, thank you for saying what so many new brokers are quietly thinking. You’re not broken. You’re just new.
Those nerves you’re feeling? Totally normal. Building a business while still figuring things out is like learning to drive during peak-hour traffic. Of course, your nervous system is going to fire up.
The trick is to stop waiting until you feel ready. Confidence doesn’t magically show up – it’s built through the reps. Through every awkward intro, every first client meeting, every stumble. The people who go on to succeed aren’t the ones who never feel nervous – they’re the ones who keep showing up even when they are. Try reframing those nerves as excitement. Same physiological response, different story. And when self-doubt creeps in? Shift your focus away from “Do I know enough?” to “How can I be genuinely helpful in this moment?”
Connection beats polish. People don’t need you to have all the answers. They need to feel that you’re listening, that you care, and that you’re someone they can trust.
Also, don’t do it alone. Surround yourself with others who are in the same boat. Get mentored. Ask questions. Celebrate the small wins. That’s how you build confidence – not by eliminating nerves – but by learning they don’t have to stop you.
This is where it starts. And you’re doing better than you think.
If you have a question that you’d like answered by psychotherapist Bronwyn Penhaligon in the Your Health in Mind section of The Adviser, you can email your question in confidence to [email protected].
Or if you feel you need more support, you can visit penhaligons.com.au to schedule a one-on-one appointment.
