Being the visible figurehead of my business is something I’ve grappled with. To be so out there has always been something I deemed braggadocious and egocentric. At the same time, I enjoy watching so many inspiring leaders, innovators and creatives, bravely putting themselves, their ideas and voices out into the world. I’ve learned so much from them and the conversations they’ve started. If I want to join in and be part of these conversations, I need to confront my somewhat limiting ideas about exposure and being visible.
My approach has, more often than not, been to put myself out there and very shortly, thereafter, go back into hiding. A mentor once reflected back to me, ‘You’re like a meerkat’, and it resonated. I pop my head up every now and again and then go back into my cave where it’s cosy and warm and comfortable. I’m not rocking any boats and taking any risks. At times, it stinks, because it’s not where growth and expansion happen.
I have a few reasons to come out of my cave. Firstly, I’ve been feeling an urge and some excitement around doing more of my own trainings and reaching a wider audience. Secondly, I’ve witnessed some of my coaching clients who are truly inspiring leaders, resisting being the face and voice of their businesses. My sense is, if we hold back, our community misses out.
I have also watched other coaching clients take the bull by the horns and go for it. Do they make mistakes? Sure. Are they green at the beginning? Absolutely. Do they continue to improve and get better as they go? Hell, yes! Thirdly, when I search for services online, I am immediately drawn to and regularly choose to work with people who were boldly front and centre. It makes it easier to focus on who they are and what they offer and streamlines the search process.
So, as I launch my personal brand and a platform to share the work I offer, I’m declaring my commitment to sharing my blogs and vlogs with more regularity. Sharing inspiring ideas several times a month is a stretch, but also an achievable goal for me. I don’t expect this to necessarily be an easy endeavour. I expect it to be challenging at times and fun. I expect to have to confront my inner critic and face the rebound on the other side of putting myself out there more. That’s where this little meerkat goes into that familiar, comfortable hiding hole and could happily stay there, but then this Marianne Williamson quote loops around in my mind and reminds me ‘Your playing small doesn’t serve the world’.
Supporting clients to grow, take risks and put themselves out there more is an absolute passion, as is sharing this work. If it appears I have become slightly braggadocious and egocentric in the process, then I suppose that is a price I’m willing to pay.
If you would like to check out how I can support you, whether it’s finding your clarity to create a clear voice for your brand, or to develop more courage and have more support when putting yourself out there, feel free to book in a complimentary 20 minute conversation to discuss.
