Some people may have been raised with an abundance of praise for mere existence and participation in life, while others are praised for their continuing efforts to actually accomplish things.  

It is in the effort we find confidence - not in false praise for results we did not earn.  

I cannot imagine being particularly successful without being self confident. 

I believe inherent confidence helps a lot in life. 

Good morning Bob. You are so right, for me it is an important component to what I do on a daily basis and yet as you said, we interact with many that just seem to lack in confidence.

Confidence is good.  So is humilty.  It's that balance thing.  

I have never had a problem with confidence. I enjoy challenges and learning is part of the challenge.

Confidence comes naturally to some people but most need to develop it, practicing skills and adding to their proven abilities until it is easy for them to assume they can handle that area of their work or life.

there are many who are insecure about what they do and/or how they do it.... I give strokes.... I boost egos.... it's a good thing to do.

Confidence is a must!!!

You bet.

Confidence can help both in your personal and business life. Some have it some learn to have it!

Confidence is not a problem for me!

I'm very confident in my abilities,  I'm also confident I don't know everything but I'm willing to learn.  I try and pass on my knowledge to those who listen

Yes...but to a point! Then it becomes a negative.

There is a type of person who needs to be reassured and who needs their ambitions to be reinforced by someone external to their sphere. Others are better at self-actualization.

Absolutely! But there is a fine line between confident and seem arrogant, espcially if you clients are shy quite people. 

I don't think it is essential but it is a great asset to have. Many successful people are able to produce and have low amounts of confidence. I do believe they would do even better if their confidence level was stronger.

I'm with you.  Evelyn and I can do anything.  If we don't know how, we find out and then go do it.

Absolutely!

I've always felt it is essential for both.  Sometimes I have it, other times I need to build it (if I'm new to a skill for example).

I agree with most comments, confidence should be an inherent part of your presentation to others, without being too cocky.  Balance is key.

Pretty much the same.  Though, I also run into people that are confident yet do little or no work or preparation and are quite unsuccessful, yet still confident.

As is honesty and the 'Golden Rule'

Bob Crane You have to have confidence in this business, otherwise you will probably not make it.

Confidence to walk into any situation knowing you can accomplish the task at hand is the key to getting the job done.

I feel confidence and self-esteem are two different animals that are often confused one for the others.  Lots of people have confidence and lack self-esteem.  I see lots of people lacking self-esteem. 

Bob,

Confidence is what one has and it is evident because one does not need to puff their chest and tell the world how wonderful they are.  A

Essential - probably not.  A differentiator - absolutely!

Confidence is a winning trait, in life, in business, in sports. However, it should not border on arrogance.

Definitely.

Con-fideo is the Latin root meaning with knowing or with God. Absolutely! When one is given to understand the why & how of living, abundant life will visit with you. That is confidence, the real one and travels onward with you

No matter where you are, always walk in like you own the joint....

It takes years of practice to become that obnoxious...

I'm not sure it's essential but it's important.

You have to show your clients you have confidence in yourself, or they won't see it.