You've decided to start a small online business. Then you realized that having an online business means you have to show up. You created a Facebook business page and posts in several Facebook groups about your amazing services and/or products, but even the crickets are quiet. You hear of all the great new platforms like Periscope, Facebook Live and SnapChat, but instead of creating a strategy for your business to get on board, you sign up only to watch in the background.
Does this sound like you? You are not alone. Many women entrepreneurs do not feel comfortable putting themselves out there. You may be asking yourself how did she get that so dead on well, I use to be that girl. When I started my first online business 7 years ago in 2009 the platforms were Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and LinkedIn. The main focus back then was local visibility via SEO (search engine optimization). Fast forward five years later to 2014, I started my consulting / training business smack dead in the middle of the video and live streaming revolution.
I spent the first year working with coaches learning all I needed to know. When it was time for me to finally launch I became paralyzed. The funny thing is I didn't even know I was, the coach I was working with at the time pulled my coat to it. When I looked back at my actions and excuses they were all due to fear. Fear of not being accepted, fear of being looked at like a fraud and fear that I would fail. I finally decided it was time for me to either go BIG or go home. I chose to go big and so should you.
Below are the steps I took to stop being the best kept secret:
STEP # 1 - I CONFRONTED MY FEARS
I made a list of my fears which were not being accepted and being afraid to fail. After I listed my fears I asked myself, what is the worst thing that could happen. Next to each fear I wrote out the worst thing. None of them were earth shattering or things that I couldn't live with so I decided I had to face them.
STEP # 2 - I DEALT WITH MY FEARS
I started recording videos of myself daily on my cell phone as a way for me to get comfortable doing videos.
I joined a 10 day periscope challenged to do livestream.
I started my own weekly Blab Talk Show to stay consistent.
I did a giveaway on social media to put myself out there.
STEP # 3 - I STAYED CONSISTENT
This is the most important step. Staying consistent has made me super confident when it comes to recording videos and doing live stream. Now when a new platform launches I am super eager to try it out. When Facebook announced Facebook Live I wasn’t provide with access because I am an Android user. I was so determine to face my fears I went out and purchased an iPad so I could livestream on the Facebook platform. When I was introduced to Snapchat I downloaded the app right away and give it a try.
Your fears, concerns or apprehensions about putting yourself out there may not be the same as mine, but I encourage you to confront the very things that are holding you back and deal with it head on. There is no other way around it. The very fact you took the steps to start a business is more than enough reason to give it a try. Being the best kept secret will not allow your business the chance it deserves to succeed. Online visibility is a major key to online business success.
So I ask you, what is the worst thing that could happen if you moved past your fears and went after your dreams? I would love to hear from you, feel free to post your comments below.
Lakisha Sarbah is an online visibility business strategist, skilled small business trainer and Producer / Host of Launch & Conquer Podcast for Women Entrepreneurs. She supports passionate tech challenged women entrepreneurs by helping them reduce their learning curve, boost confidence and stand in their power as business owners. Lakisha’s hands on approach helps women envision, define, plan and execute smart and simple strategies to help them show up and stand out online.
Connect with Lakisha on Twitter: @LakishaSarbah