Build a Business That Speaks for Itself
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Nov 11, 2024
- 6 min read
Tired of Proving Yourself? Build a Business That Speaks for Itself
Let’s be honest, ladies. How many times have you felt like you’re stuck in a never-ending loop of having to prove your competence? You launch a brilliant new offer, only to be met with raised eyebrows and a subtle, "But are you sure you can handle this?" You land a major client, and instead of congratulations, you get questions about how you’ll juggle it all (because, you know, life can be a lot). It's exhausting, right? Like trying to get ready for a client call while simultaneously preventing my toddler from using the dog's water bowl as a bath – ending up with one contact lens in and a very soggy rug. Even now, after building Femmeprenista and navigating the complexities of a PhD while raising four kids, I still sometimes encounter that lingering need to justify my expertise. It's crazy, isn't it? Like, haven't I earned my stripes yet?!
You’re not alone. It's a pervasive double standard. Men in business are often granted instant credibility, while we, as female entrepreneurs, face this constant "prove it again" pressure. It's like the universe expects us to perform miracles on a daily basis, all while maintaining some semblance of sanity! I definitely felt this during my MBA. Picture this: trying to present a group project after pulling an all-nighter, fuelled by lukewarm coffee, with my toddler's favourite TV show (not Dora this time, but something equally catchy!) playing on repeat in my head. There were moments of profound self-doubt, where I questioned if I could really handle it all. But I pushed through, reminding myself why I started – for the freedom and fulfillment that entrepreneurship offered. And guess what? I did it! It wasn't easy – there were tears, tantrums (mine and the kids'), and many late nights fuelled by copious amounts of coffee – but I emerged stronger, more confident, and with a renewed sense of purpose.
Stop Seeking Approval, Start Owning Your Wins
Imagine this: You're finally launching that online course you've poured your heart and soul into. You've meticulously planned the content, designed the sales page, and even managed to record the modules amidst the daily whirlwind of kids, pets, and life. But instead of celebrating this huge win, you’re consumed by what others might think. Will they judge your pricing? Will they question your expertise? Will they think you’re “spreading yourself too thin”?
That's the "prove it again" loop whispering in your ear. It tells you that your worth depends on external approval. But what if you could silence that voice and instead, celebrate your damn self? What if you could look at that finished course and say, "Yes, I did that! And it's bloody brilliant!"
That’s the shift I want to help you make. It’s not about arrogance; it's about owning your hard work, recognising your inherent value, and defining success based on what truly matters to you. Is it financial freedom? More time with your family? The satisfaction of making a real impact? Define your metrics and celebrate every milestone that moves you closer to them.
Building a Business That Speaks Volumes
So, how do you break free from this cycle and build a business that speaks for itself? If you're a Foundation Builder, feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start, these steps are especially for you.
Focus on Impact, Not Just Impressions: What problem are you solving for your clients? What transformation are you facilitating? Let that be the focus of your marketing, not just vanity metrics or what others are doing. This is all about attracting clients who align with your energy. I truly believe when your core focus is on how you're impacting the lives of your ideal clients by solving a genuine problem for them, your authentic passion naturally shines through, attracting those who are truly aligned. For example, in my research on Black female entrepreneurship, I've seen firsthand how businesses that prioritize genuine impact build stronger, more loyal client bases and achieve greater long-term success. Just the other day I was speaking to a client who shared how focusing on the positive change she was creating for her community helped her overcome crippling self-doubt & finally raise her prices. It's like Simon Sinek says, "People don't buy WHAT you do; they buy WHY you do it."
Systems Are Your Superpower: This is where efficient systems come into play.
•Streamline your processes, creating clear step-by-step workflows for everything from client onboarding to content creation.
•Automate repetitive tasks. Think email sequences, social media scheduling, even basic customer service responses – AI can be a game-changer here!
•Build a solid foundation that allows your business to run smoothly, even when life throws curveballs (because let’s face it, it will!). Imagine a simple project management system, like Trello or Asana, that keeps all your tasks, deadlines, and important information organized in one place. How much calmer would that make you feel?
A robust system will save you time, energy, and sanity, and frees you to actually do what you do best. As my husband always says, "Hard work beats intelligence when it is smart work." Remember, when I was studying for my MBA at Cranfield with my then-little one at home, creating efficient systems, and even delegating when possible, became absolutely essential for my sanity. I literally wouldn't have survived without them!
Own Your Expertise: You have valuable knowledge & skills, even if you don’t feel like a “guru”. Don't downplay your achievements or undercharge for your services.
•Create a "Wins" document. List every accomplishment, big or small. This could include positive client feedback ("My clients consistently tell me how much my coaching has transformed their businesses & lives, which is incredibly fulfilling."), successful projects ("Successfully launched my first online course to a sold-out group of amazing women!"), or even mastering a new skill ("Finally figured out how to use Canva to create stunning graphics for my social media. Feeling so empowered!").
•Refer to this document when setting your rates or crafting your marketing messages to remind yourself of your value.
Remember, you are not replaceable. Your unique blend of experience and perspective is your strength. Reflecting back on my early business venture with my former business partner, and even the pivotal experience of my father vehemently advocating for me when I was unfairly silenced at school, I've learnt that my voice is my power, and I am more capable than I sometimes give myself credit for. As Lisa Nichols says, "Don’t allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put on some sunglasses."
Celebrate Your Wins, Big & Small: Launched a new website? Landed your first client? Finally figured out how to automate your email sequence? Celebrate it! Acknowledge your progress & give yourself credit for the hard work you’re putting in. Even small wins, like finally clearing your inbox or scheduling a week's worth of social media content, deserve a moment of acknowledgement. Grab a cuppa (or a glass of wine – it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!), take a deep breath, and celebrate you.
Define Your Own Damn Success: What does success really look like for you? Is it financial freedom, location independence, more time with family, or the satisfaction of building a lasting legacy? Don't let societal expectations or comparison define your goals. Own your vision & celebrate every step you take toward it. As the great Paulo Coelho said, “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”
Building a successful business is a marathon, not a sprint (and honestly, who has time for sprinting when you're navigating school runs, client calls, and the occasional puppy-induced chaos?). It's a journey, and it’s your journey to define.
Ready to Ditch the Doubt and Build a Business That Speaks for Itself?
Are you ready to ditch the doubt, build a strong foundation, and attract those first paying clients? As a Foundation Builder, taking that leap from idea to launched business can feel overwhelming, right? The Spark Program is specifically designed to help you validate your brilliant idea, gain crystal clarity on your niche, & confidently map out your next steps. Learn more here
P.S. What’s one small, smart step you can take today to own your progress and build a business that speaks volumes? Share it in the comments below!
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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