Swagger. Bravado. Chutzpah.

If you’re an athlete, you’re expected to have that and more.

But when you own your business, or dream of doing, you need your game to have a dose of those qualities but not so much that you’re projecting aggressive arrogance.

If you’re a female executive, add that other balancing act, appropriate assertiveness versus perceived bitchiness, and you may find your carefully honed professionalism isn’t cutting it.

I’m hearing of more folks conjuring up a little home-based business after having been laid off and fear that those not possessing the entrepreneur gene are in for a tough fight. Dr. Mark Clayson‘s article “Beginning a Business—No Bravado Please” covers some of the pitfalls you’re up against when you start a business without a plan, or simply because you are up against a wall.

Yes, you have to convince your would-be clients that you are confident and can get the job done, but remember that pairing your confidence with genuine humility and gratitude goes a long way.

And even athletes can succeed with a little temperance in the swagger and a liberal dose of humility and sweetness.