Matt Merritt, CEO, Snap.Build
Matt Merritt is CEO of Snap.Build and is a highly accomplished executive with a career spanning over 30 years, during which he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in finance, accounting, operations and technology. He understands the role that self-belief has played in business. Matt took time out to speak with The Industry Leaders about this powerful state of mind.
Firstly, can you give us a little bit of background about your business journey?
Various roles in technology, finance, accounting, operations and real estate provided me with useful experiences that are all applicable to my current role as CEO of Snap.Build, a fintech company serving the residential housing market. Snap.Build utilizes proprietary technology to bridge the gap between the lender and the builder, helping builders build faster and grow their business.
What role has self-belief played in your journey as a business leader? How has it influenced your decision-making and overall success?
Self-belief has played a critical role in my journey as a business leader. Throughout my career, I have strived to maintain a positive attitude and to believe in my abilities, despite the challenges that I have faced. This mindset has enabled me to approach my work with confidence and has allowed me to make decisions that have been beneficial for my organization and its stakeholders. Self-belief is a powerful tool for any business leader, and it has had a major positive influence on my decision-making and success.
Can you share a specific moment or challenge in your journey where your self-belief was tested? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from that experience?
Self-doubt is a part of the human condition. It is unavoidable to experience those moments. What matters is that when you are experiencing self-doubt, instead of losing confidence in yourself, you should use such experiences as an opportunity to grow stronger and become more resilient. To do this, try to approach experiences that make you doubt yourself with an open mind. Remind yourself that even if something didn’t turn out the way you expected, it doesn’t mean that you’ve failed. Rather, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow as an entrepreneur.
How do you cultivate and maintain a mindset of self-belief amidst the inevitable ups and downs of life?
One way to cultivate and maintain a mindset of self-belief is to focus on developing a deeper understanding of yourself. This includes acknowledging your strengths, weaknesses, and unique abilities, as well as understanding what drives your passions and motivations.
Are there any specific strategies or practices you follow to boost your self-confidence when facing uncertainties or setbacks in your business?
To boost my self-confidence when facing uncertainties or setbacks in my business, I identify and then challenge my limiting beliefs. I strive to recognize patterns of thoughts and behavior that may be holding me back, and work to address them. I surround myself with smart, positive people to provide me with different points of view to expand my thinking and get out of my own head.
How do you handle self-doubt or negative self-talk that may arise as a business leader? Do you have any specific techniques for reframing negative thoughts?
When self-doubt or negative self-talk arises, I try to take a step back and focus on what is within my control. Instead of dwelling on what I can’t do, I focus instead on the things that I can do and what action steps I can take to move forward. I then take small, actionable steps that lead to progress and success. These strategies help me to gain perspective and manage difficult thoughts or feelings in order to move forward productively.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who struggle with self-belief? How can they start building a stronger sense of confidence and belief in themselves?
Taking risks, even scary ones, is often an integral part of being an entrepreneur, and it can be hard to remain confident and maintain self-belief during uncertain times. To continue to grow self-confidence, it's important to remember the benefits of being an entrepreneur. Remind yourself of the successes you’ve already achieved, and the potential rewards of taking risks. Focusing on how you can use your skills and abilities to minimize the risk and maximize the potential reward can help overcome self-doubt.
Have you ever encountered external skepticism or negativity regarding your business ideas or decisions? How do you stay grounded in your self-belief despite external influences?
Of course I have encountered skepticism from others regarding my business decisions. I actually prefer to hear different points of view so that I can pressure test my way of thinking and perhaps make even better decisions. I recommend creating an accountability system with a mentor or peer--someone who you trust to provide honest, constructive feedback--to help you stay focused on your goals and vision.
Finally, what are some practical tips or exercises you can recommend for entrepreneurs to strengthen their self-belief and mindset on a regular basis?
I am a big fan of visualization. I use visualization techniques to create a positive mental image of myself and the success I wish to achieve. Additionally, seek out support from mentors and peers who can help provide encouragement and guidance. Practicing gratitude and taking breaks can also be helpful in keeping your mindset focused and healthy.
