Conquer Visibility Fears Online: Shine Authentically!
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Dec 2, 2024
- 6 min read
Conquer Your Visibility Fears: Shine Authentically Online
Ever feel like you're hiding your brilliance under a bushel? Like you know you have something incredible to offer, but the thought of putting yourself out there online makes your palms sweat and your stomach churn? Honestly, love, I’ve been there. Just the other day, my two-year-old decided my laptop, mid-Zoom call with a potential investor, was the perfect place for a strawberry smoothie facial. Let’s just say it wasn't the "polished professional" look I was aiming for. Talk about a mindset wobble! But, just like I tackled that sticky situation (with a hefty dose of baby wipes & a prayer!), we can tackle these visibility fears, too. Remember, my loves, a rich life isn't about avoiding the mess; it's about navigating it with grace & a good cleaning solution (both for laptops & for mental clutter!). This post, specifically for Visionary Leaders like you, is your guide to conquering those visibility fears and shining online, authentically and with impact.
Understanding the Mindset Blocks (FOCUS)
Let's be honest, the biggest hurdles often aren't about algorithms or fancy tech; they're the whispers of self-doubt in our own minds. That pesky imposter syndrome telling you you're not "expert enough." The perfectionism gremlin insisting everything has to be flawless before you can share it. Or that old chestnut, "Who am I to...?" Sound familiar? Thought so! These limiting beliefs are like weeds in a beautiful garden – they can choke the life out of your business before it even has a chance to bloom.
Reframing Your Relationship with Visibility
The first step is reframing how we think about visibility. It's not about self-promotion or shouting from the rooftops (unless that's your style!). It's about serving. It's about sharing your unique gifts & expertise to help the women who need you. My PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship constantly reminds me of the challenges women face in finding their voice and claiming their space. But what if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can navigate it, authentically & with impact?
Embracing Imperfection & Progress Over Perfection
Perfectionism is a creativity killer. In the online world, progress trumps perfection. Start small, be consistent, & don't be afraid to experiment. Your audience connects with your authenticity, not your polished façade. A recent study by Sprout Social showed that 73% of consumers prefer brands that are authentic and transparent, even if they're not "perfect." https://sproutsocial.com/insights/data/social-media-trends/ So, ditch the pressure to be perfect, & embrace the messy, beautiful journey of showing up as you are.
Even after building Femmeprenista to multiple six figures & achieving significant visibility, I still have moments of self-doubt. Just last week, I was preparing to go live in my Facebook group, Femme:Connect, to share some insights from my latest research on scaling strategies. I had all my notes ready, my tech setup tested, & even a snazzy new blazer (because, why not?). But five minutes before going live, that familiar wave of "Am I really qualified to teach this?" washed over me. I almost hit the "cancel" button. But then I remembered my own "why" – the women who rely on these insights to scale their businesses and create the lives they dream of. I took a deep breath, reminded myself of the valuable lessons I’ve learned (including all the messy, imperfect moments!), and hit "Go Live." And guess what? It was one of my most engaging and well-received sessions. It’s a constant journey, loves, but we’re in this together.
Practical Tips for Shining Online (FLAIR)
Now that we've tackled the mindset gremlins, let's get practical. Here are some tangible steps to help you build your online presence with confidence:
Know Your Audience (& Yourself!): Before you even think about posting, get crystal clear on who you're talking to. What are their pain points? What are their aspirations? What keeps them up at night? (The Spark Program can help you with this!). Equally important, what are your strengths? What makes you unique? Honestly, when I started Femmeprenista, I realised that my own experiences, from navigating corporate politics to juggling motherhood and a PhD (while recovering from my fourth C-section, no less!), were my superpower. They allowed me to connect with my audience on a deeper level.
Craft a Compelling Brand Story: Your story is your secret weapon. It's what makes you relatable, memorable, & trustworthy. It's the "why" behind your business. Don't be afraid to share your journey, including the bumps along the road. Here's a quick exercise:
What's the biggest challenge you've overcome in your life or career?
What unique skills or experiences did you gain from that challenge?
How do those skills and experiences help you serve your clients today?
This resonates with Simon Sinek’s advice to “start with why” - people connect with your purpose, not just your product. Remember, my early venture, Nisbett and George, taught me invaluable lessons about partnership & resilience – specifically, the need for aligned commitment levels when juggling a new business with the demands of motherhood – lessons I now share with my clients.
Create Consistent, Valuable Content: This doesn't mean churning out endless posts just for the sake of it. Think quality over quantity. What valuable insights, tips, or stories can you share that will genuinely help your audience? Develop a content calendar (Trello is great for this!) and batch-create content to maintain a consistent posting schedule, even amidst the juggle. Focus on providing real value, & the engagement will follow. The Business Flourish Framework is ideal for this! Here are some ideas:
Juggler's Shortcut: A quick tip for busy mums on how to batch-create social media graphics in Canva.
Client Win: A short, inspiring story about a client’s "aha" moment that led to a breakthrough.
Behind the Scenes: A relatable glimpse into your daily life, showing the real, messy, beautiful juggle.
Embrace the Power of Connection: Building genuine relationships is key. Respond to comments, engage in conversations, and show up authentically in your DMs. Don't be afraid to ask questions and encourage your audience to share their experiences, too. The Femmeprenista community is all about supporting each other, sharing tips, celebrating wins, & reminding each other that we're not alone in this crazy, beautiful journey. Need support navigating the 12–13 weeks of school holidays while running your business? Looking for accountability partners to keep you focused on your goals? Craving authentic connection with other women who get the unique juggle of motherhood & entrepreneurship? Feeling isolated in your entrepreneurial adventures? You're not alone! So many of us feel that way, especially when we’re juggling multiple roles. Share your biggest challenge below. What's been your hardest struggle this week, loves? Let's connect & support each other! Connect with other ambitious female entrepreneurs inside our free global community, Femme:Connect.
Start Small & Build Momentum: You don't have to do everything at once. Pick one platform, one type of content, & commit to showing up consistently. Maybe it's sharing one insightful tip a day on Instagram or going live once a week in your Facebook group. Small, consistent actions create momentum, which builds confidence, which leads to bigger and bolder steps.
Ready to Take the Next Step? (FLOW)
Overcoming visibility fears is a journey, not a destination. It's about building your confidence, embracing your authenticity, and showing up consistently for the women who need you. What’s one small, smart step you can take today to own your progress? Share your commitment below - let’s cheer each other on!
Ready to dive deeper and accelerate your journey? Join our vibrant Femme:Connect community for support, connection, and inspiration. It's the perfect place to connect with a global network of ambitious women who understand the unique challenges & triumphs of the entrepreneurial journey, especially when combined with the beautiful chaos of motherhood. We share practical tips, celebrate each other's wins, & offer a safe space to ask questions & receive support, without judgement. Join us today: Femme:Connect Community Page.
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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