💡 How to Conquer Your Business Embarrassment (Issue 151)
You can't market well if you don't want to show and tell
Many years ago, I recall feeling too embarrassed to talk much about my new coaching business.
My confidence was at an all-time low, having just come off the failure of my tech startup. Previously, I had worked as an executive at a large corporation. Even though coaching made a lot of sense, given my degree in psychology, my work experience as a leader, and who I was as a person, it felt like a strange compromise. After all, my friends were still in the middle of it all, taking swings at new startups, climbing the corporate ladder to become C-level executives, or cashing out with tens and hundreds of millions of dollars from acquisitions of their companies.
I felt “less than.” So, there I was, starting a new business and hoping it would grow without talking much about it.
Pro tip: That doesn’t work very well. 😂
Luckily, word of mouth, referrals, and networking are powerful. I landed enough new clients to give me the confidence to continue. Additionally, after about a year, I began to look at things differently. Instead of feeling embarrassed or shy about my business, I felt proud and happy.
Some things to keep in mind that might help you if you’re feeling nervous about promoting your business (and knowing that friends, family, and old colleagues will see it):
It takes courage to break free of traditional employment and start a business. Be proud of that!
Only about 7% of the world's population ever starts a business.
However, about 32% of the adult workforce in the U.S. has done it, so you’re not alone! These people will cheer you on.
About 31% of employees work for a toxic boss, and 71% have worked for a bad manager at some point in their careers. You no longer have to deal with that, which is something people dream of!
As your own boss, you will never have to face ageism, layoffs, or toxic coworkers again.
As a business owner, you control pricing, so you can give yourself a raise when appropriate (no more begging a boss for more money).
You control your schedule, so you can take a day off or go on vacation at any time you want.
Most people will silently cheer you, and the few who jeer you secretly wish they dared to quit their miserable jobs to start a dream business.
When you think about your new business that way, it sounds pretty damn impressive, doesn’t it? You’re creating something that is a heck of a lot more exciting than working for someone else.
There is no reason to feel embarrassed about having the courage to take a different path than most people in this world (who dream of doing what you are doing). You are making it happen! I’m proud of you, and you should feel proud of yourself, too.
So, it’s time to take off the gloves and fight harder to get noticed.
Stop being shy online (and in real life).
Talk about your business every day and week.
Share your wins, what you do, and how you think.
Let all the potential customers know you exist and make it easy for them to buy from you.
➡️ Would you like to brainstorm some marketing ideas with me? You can schedule a complimentary call.
Larry Cornett is a business coach who works with ambitious professionals to help them reclaim their power, become more invincible, and create better opportunities for their work and lives. Do more of what you love and less of what you hate! Check out his new Invincible Solopreneurs Daily Journal!
