How I Found My Confidence.
Susan Chinault shares her story.
Growing up, confidence was something that I oftentimes heard people talk about, but really never gave it any thought about until I got to be in high school. That was when you instinctively knew who had it and who didn't. I knew the cheerleaders, athletes, and the “cool kids” did, and that I didn't. That was about the extent of it as far as I was concerned. I knew that there were some things that I excelled in, like my ability to be able to talk with pretty much anyone, but I thought that was only because I wasn't “shy” as my parents always said. But that wasn't something that I could use in real life…or so I thought.
My confidence bloomed when I started working as a certified medical assistant (CMA) in 2013 at a very prestigious, well-known medical institution in Baltimore, MD (yes, you probably guessed the right one). I was praised by the physicians and patients alike for my efficiency and ''bedside manner” or should I say, “exam table side manner.” I was able to do my job and still put the patient at ease, no matter how uncomfortable or embarrassing the procedure may have been, and for that I was grateful to be able to help.
When I retired in January 2022, I felt like I was lost, and my confidence definitely took a nosedive. How would I use my “table side manner” in the non-medical world? You can imagine my surprise when Dave Romeo asked if I would like to be on his 2023 panel for Building Courage and Confidence!
I started making sales calls for Dave and that was exactly where I have rediscovered it! When I talked to Dave's clients, I could see why he calls them friends. I felt like they were my friends too. Yes, it's about the seminars, but it's also about sincerely listening and getting people to open up with me when we talk. I feel like I've found that very same bond that I used to share with my patients, but on a different level.
Dave even helped me create my own business called, Calling All Customers, so that I could help other customers besides him. Not surprisingly, many of my first customers were customers I’d first spoken with when making sales calls for Dave.
I want to encourage you to remember that it's never too late to learn and use your God-given gifts — whatever they may be — to try something new. I will share with you some things I've learned along my journey. Always try to listen more than you speak, and be kind, courteous, and professional at all times. Remember, you may have caught someone on the worst day of their life; it's not always about you. Follow through as promised, be empathetic, trust-worthy, and lastly, don’t forget that a smile goes a long, long way.
“Confidence is a symbol of courage and faith. It is a life skill that can help you stay one step ahead of your fears.” – Anonymous
Susan Chinault of Calling All Customers will be one of my guest panelists for the Proven Success Skills for Business Women: Building Courage and Confidence Forum. I encourage you to
click here to register for the Proven Success Skills for Business Women: Building Courage and Confidence Forum on Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 9 AM to 12 noon Eastern Standard Time at the Comfort Suites in Manheim, PA. This event will also be available through live streaming.
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