February 28, 2020
The Invisible Entrepreneur – Is Your Business Hidden in Plain Sight?
Are you a business introvert? Do you feel like an invisible outlier that clients just don’t see or want to connect with (even though you know they could benefit from your product or service)?
When you’re starting out as a business owner, getting seen and heard by prospective clients means you have to step out of your old way of thinking. You have to step out of your old way of doing. Both are acts of courage, especially for introverts and women in general.
You know that queasy feeling: picking up the phone to cold call a prospect, walking into a networking event where you know no one, standing in front of an audience to talk about your business. At these moments, you may be asking yourself (with butterflies in your stomach): “This is terrifying! Do I really want to get mixed up in trying to start a business?” Deep down, of course, you do, but there are some specific steps you need to take to make it happen.
Feel the fear – and do it anyway
We all experience fear when we push ourselves beyond our known boundaries. I know I did! You’re not at all alone in this. But, how are other women overcoming their fear, doubt, or shyness and ramping up their success as entrepreneurs? What are they doing that you’re not?
“Doing” is the key word here – no matter how scary it feels.
First, this requires you to change how you think. If you’re an introvert or exceedingly humble (and there’s nothing wrong with that – it is part of your personality, after all), you must avoid the tendency to remind yourself of that deeply ingrained self-perception when a marketing opportunity comes your way. You may not realize it, but you could be using that mindset as a reason to avoid reaching out to prospective clients.
To help reverse this, start by writing down your elevator speech, word-for-word. Then, memorize it. Repeat it to yourself in the shower or while driving your car. Know it backward and forwards.
Remember: fortune favors the prepared.
Know, too, that you don’t have to be perfect. Even if you botch some of your delivery the first few times someone asks what you do, you’ll build your confidence muscle and you will get better. Success breeds success.
Whether it’s business or personal, we women tend to second-guess ourselves, even if you are not a self-proclaimed business introvert. We want everything just right before taking action (the paralysis of analysis). We want to lose 20 pounds before we do something. We feel anxious about asking to be paid, especially sufficient pay for all the work and time we’ve put in.
Ladies, we need to stop second-guessing ourselves already. What specifically is holding you back from being visible in your business? Is your introvert identity holding you back?
Let’s take a look at some of the most common evils that effect business introverts:
You believe that promoting yourself and your business is arrogant or boastful.
Have you convinced yourself that touting yourself to others as knowledgeable and experienced in your field is bragging? Talking about your business and qualifications is perfectly normal behavior, as long as you don’t come across as an obnoxious know-it-all. And, added bonus: it can actually help the people who need your service or product.
You believe you’re inadequate or even incompetent – that you don’t really have the skills or knowledge to serve your clients.
This is about the Big C – Confidence. You started your business because you have a love for your product or service and/or you’ve received positive feedback and praise for your work – sometimes before you were even paid to do it. Stop berating yourself and allowing self-doubt to push you away from what you want. You have control over your thoughts and actions! If you’ve succeeded in the past, you have evidence in hand that proves you can succeed in the future.
You’re uncomfortable taking credit for work well done.
Are you one of those people who, when given a compliment, downplays your effort, or attributes the results to luck? Please, just stop – if for no other reason than knowing your “rejection” of the compliment makes the person question their judgment in offering it – and wonder about your abilities. Remember that when you do great work, most people are interested. They want to learn how you did it, how you overcame the challenges involved. Don’t throw a big wet blanket on their party. Give yourself a pat on the back. Take a moment to bask in your success and enjoy the praise.
On the other hand, you tend to embellish your success.
Careful. This can be a slippery slope. Awards, recognition, and rags-to-riches stories you share about your business can be great, but keep yourself honest. If a successful project outcome included the efforts of others, make sure to share that. Don’t take credit where credit is not due. Create a clear connection between your accomplishments and your clients, and how they can succeed with your product or service.
Promises, promises – you struggle to be honest about what you can and can’t do.
Having multiple skill sets as an entrepreneur is a bonus, but when engaging with clients, you must keep your unique selling proposition in mind. Your specific product or service offering is why the client has contacted you. Likewise, don’t fall prey to promising too much and then coming up short with results. It’s a reputation killer. The bottom line: Don’t promise what you can’t deliver.
Here’s a marketing tip for the Business Introvert:
Take a fresh look at the information you present on your web site or social media ‘About me’ page. Are you including way too many details that are irrelevant? Or, does the content include only the skills and achievements that will help prospective clients make an informed decision to buy? Revise accordingly.
Underdogs and Introverts, take heart
With hard work and a commitment to put yourself out there, the day will come when you’ll hear a newbie business owner say, “I’m invisible! Nobody wants to hire me!” and you’ll know why they feel that way and why they’re getting those results.
As I said at the beginning, you have to dig deep to tap into the courage to change how you think and what you do to grow your business, but it can be done. Start with the action items above. Observe, learn, adapt, and improve with every phone call, networking interaction, meeting, and digital message. Sideline doubt, push past fear, and watch your confidence – and business – grow.
Do you have questions about how you can succeed in your business and accelerate your journey toward reaching your goals? I invite you to learn more about From Startup to Success coaching packages. Begin with a no-cost 30-minute consultation to discuss where you are with your business and where you want to go.
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