Overcoming the 3 Fears of Visibility
Hello, Medium fam!
Let’s talk about visibility fears today!
As an entrepreneur, we’re not just building a business; we’re also building and connecting with an audience that would trust and buy from us.
But, let’s be real, stepping into the spotlight can be terrifying.
What if you’re not charismatic enough? What if you’re too famous? What if your friends and family find out? What if your ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend finds out? What if you are camera shy? How do you make your mark without losing yourself in the process?
There is simply so much fear and “what if” around the subject of “visibility” when it comes to marketing online.
On one hand, we admire those people who have a huge audience, but on the other, we want to keep as low a profile as possible yet make a lot of profits.
In this article, I want to dive deeper into this struggle and give you a clearer look at the fears and misconceptions that hold many entrepreneurs (including me when I first started the business) back from creating a powerful and magnetic personal brand.
Many ask me HOW to build a powerful and magnetic personal brand, I do include the “Magnetic Personal Branding” program in the yearly mastermind, but here’s a strategy session + toolkit for you to jump start now. You can get it here.
Here’s a sneak peek into the strategy session:
Strategy session:
Compared to monotonous advertisements, people are more inclined to trust living, breathing individuals.
Sometimes we purchase a product simply because we like the seller or want to be more like him / her, leading us to buy it without haggling or comparing prices.
Every entrepreneur has a very strong inner driving force, which is not fully utilized in the traditional business model — whether online or not. What have we been doing? Everyone was making products, doing marketing, and focusing on making sales. What’s a better approach:
#1: Fear of Visibility
Visibility can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s essential for establishing authority and making a significant impact with your business. On the other hand, it can feel like we’re leaving ourselves open to criticism and rejection.
There’s a common misconception among entrepreneurs that being in the limelight is a bad thing.
They can talk the talk with clients face-to-face but shrink at the idea of public exposure online.
The fear of not being charismatic enough to draw attention is real.
Let’s debunk a few myths here.
First, the belief that we need to be the life of the party to be visible is simply not true. Authenticity and depth are far more compelling than forced charisma. When we show up as our genuine selves, we attract the right people and opportunities.
Second, the idea that we’ll lose our authenticity by becoming more visible is also a misconception. In fact, the more we share our story, our values, and our vision, the more we reinforce our authenticity.
It’s not about changing who we are; it’s about amplifying who we already are to reach the people who need to hear our message.
Moreover, the fear of becoming “too famous” is often unfounded.
Achieving a level of fame that is unmanageable or undesirable is rare, especially for most business owners and professionals.
What we’re really aiming for is a level of recognition that allows us to influence and lead within our sphere of expertise.
And let me let you in on a secret (shhh):
True influence isn’t about being an influencer; it’s about being a thought leader, a voice of authority in your field, and a brand that resonates deeply with your loyal followers.
Many think that personal branding is all about chasing trends and going viral on social media.
However, it’s not like that at all.
It’s about adding value, attracting high-quality traffic, and making meaningful connections that go beyond the fleeting attention of internet fame.
Here are a few practical strategies how I overcame the fear of visibility:
- Start Small
I begin by sharing my insights and experiences in smaller, more controlled environments. This could be a guest post on a blog, a new fb group.
As I become more comfortable, gradually increase the size of the audience.
2. I focused on value
Remember that visibility is a tool to provide value on a larger scale.
When we share our knowledge and experiences, we’re helping others learn and grow. This focus on giving value can alleviate the fear of being judged.
3. I recognise process rather than outcome
It’s natural to feel vulnerable when we put ourselves out there.
Be kind to yourself and recognize that every expert and influencer has started from the same place of uncertainty.
As soon as I show up, I’ve won.
4. Have a support system
For me, it would be my Epic 12 execution system which keeps me in check and accountable.
You may also surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision if you prefer.
Having a support system can help bolster your confidence and mitigate the fear of criticism.
5. Reframe rejection
Not everyone will resonate with your message, and that’s okay. I give myself permission for that.
I also reframe this fear of visibility — Visibility is not a hurdle but a pathway to leadership and influence. It’s an opportunity to make a difference and to build a business that stands out in a crowded market.
Difficulty #2: No Loyal / Active Audience
Let me share a story about Dr. D, a former university professor turned entrepreneur.
He started live-streaming courses to capitalize on the new media boom but struggled to gain traction.
His content was solid, but his approach was too academic, too serious for the casual internet crowd.
Here’s where the concept of “edutainment” comes in — being in tune with the internet culture and using language that resonates with your online audience.
Basically meeting them where they’re at. To break through, I asked Dr. D to make his content more relatable, simplifying complex ideas, and adding storytelling elements to engage his audience emotionally.
He also learned to observe and learn from others who have more engaging online audiences.
With these adjustments, his following grew much faster.
So here’s a few tips for you if you have this difficulty too:
I realized that Dr. D’s knowledge was profound, but it was wrapped in jargon and complex theories that the average internet user might find hard to digest.
So, we started simplifying his content, breaking down complex ideas into easily understandable concepts. Together, I made his content more conversational, more relatable.
2. add story
People connect with stories, not just facts.
I encouraged Dr. D to weave narratives into his lectures, to share real-life examples and case studies.
This not only made his content more engaging but also helped to illustrate his points more effectively.
Just like I would share case studies in my article.
3. be consistently engaging
I shared with Dr. D the importance of being present and interactive on his live streams.
Responding to comments, asking for feedback, and creating a two-way dialogue made his audience feel valued and heard.
And consistency helps the audience to know and trust you and interact with you.
Dr. D had to let go of his formal, academic persona and embrace a more casual, approachable style that fit the digital space.
This didn’t mean he had to compromise his expertise; instead, it allowed him to present his knowledge in a way that was both educational and enjoyable.
It’s about finding your own style.
I’ve got a quick and simple personality test to help you find your style in the strategy session + toolkit.
Difficulty #3: There’s nothing Special about me
Here’s a common myth: I need to have Kim K body or be super pretty or outgoing to build a magnetic personal brand.
The truth is: You don’t need an Ivy League degree or a celebrity endorsement to build a powerful personal brand.
In fact, the most relatable and successful brands are often built on authenticity and genuine human experiences.
I’ve seen numerous founders with “ordinary” backgrounds create extraordinary personal brands that resonate deeply with their audience.
Here’s what I found out:
Your personal brand is not about being perfect; it’s about being real.
It’s about showing your vulnerabilities, your passions, and your journey. When you dare to be yourself, you create a brand that is multidimensional, relatable, and magnetic to your audience.
Authenticity is the key ingredient in building a personal brand that stands the test of time. It’s about being genuine, transparent, and true to who you are, even when it’s not perfect. It’s about sharing your story, your struggles, and your successes in a way that others can relate to and be inspired by.
My secret is: Experiences Resonate More Than Credentials
Your life experiences, professional journey, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way are the building blocks of a relatable personal brand. People are drawn to others who have walked a path they can understand or aspire to. When you share your experiences, you’re not just telling your story; you’re providing a narrative that others can see themselves in.
For more strategically how to Build a Brand on Authenticity and Experiences, join the yearly mastermind!
It’d be the best gift for yourself in the new year!
Building a personal brand as a founder is not about chasing fame; it’s about creating genuine connection and trust with the audience so you become magnetic to them and they would buy whatever you recommend and sell.
It’s about connecting with your audience on a deeper level, providing value, and leading with authenticity.
So, go ahead, step into the spotlight, and let your personal brand be the guiding star for your business.
The most influential brands didn’t start with a bang; they started with a clear vision and a commitment to authenticity.
Your journey to becoming a brand that resonates starts now.
And if you’re ready to join the yearly mastermind, now would be the time to jump start the process.
With love,
Connie
