When you launch your creative project or become a small business owner, you have to make yourself visible. On a website, on social media, emails. And the first people who see this, are people you know. That is how we all start. This is one of those moments when many of us feel very exposed. Why? Because the people in our network, and especially those close to us, often feel they can comment. “What is this all about?” And so, every time you post something…you feel all eyes are on you. Are you saying something stupid? Are you posting too much? Should you go back in your box?
Becoming visible online and feeling insecure about it
“You are posting too much”
“You are sharing too much about yourself”
“So you are a business owner now, are you?”
“I had to mute you, because all I saw were your posts”
Have you ever had comments like this from your loved ones, parents, friends? Why do they feel they can say these things to you? It happens to all of us, and it is not very helpful at all. As an artist, small business owner, freelancer or otherwise creative… we have to stay visible. Or else… no business, no opportunities, no leads. We have to be loud and show off our skills.
It is not easy to get leads as a new business. You need to work hard to define your ideal client, get clear on your messaging, come up with a strategy. And most of us do this all by ourselves, no team, no support. On a shoestring budget. If we don’t post, no one knows your services exist. But this can feel horrible for some, especially when you are a bit of an introvert, and the idea of showing your face in a video fills you with dread. It is normal.
Your auntie Betty is not your ideal client
But not everyone understands this, especially those around you who are in 9-5 jobs with a pay check at the end of the month. People who don’t have an entrepreneurial bone in their body. Or worse; the ones who are secretly jealous of your bravery and wish they were more like you. And if you are not a business owner, artist or freelancer, you can just be on social media to consume other people’s content. And apparently have an opinion about it.
I am a business coach, but also a practicing artist, writing and recording a solo album at the moment. It is quite scary and vulnerable to share my art, and throw myself in front of the lions. What will people think? Will I look silly? Am I ‘too much’?
Someone close to me asked me the other day:”Why do you post so much about your music on social media? Can’t you just make your album and put it in the drawer? It’s not as if you want to become famous.”
I was baffled. Put it in the drawer?
But it made me pause – and question myself – for a moment. Because…why do I feel the need to post about my creations, my work? Is it outer validation? Am I THAT insecure? Or am I just a bloody show-off?
You are not ‘too much’
As a creative and artist, I want to express myself, and I want to share my words, art and music with the world. I mean, didn’t famous rockstars feel that need? What if Sting or The Beatles had just “put it in the drawer”?
But even if nobody cared, and no one watched – I would still make art. It’s like breathing, I cannot stop creating. It’s got to come out. My drawer would be too full I stuffed it all in there.
If people like it, that’s a bonus. I don’t need to be everyone’s cup of tea. And if people (or loved ones) think I am “too much” – there’s always the unfollow button. I am not making it for them.
And this is the same for your business: you are not posting on here to keep your mum happy. You are here to build a tribe of ideal clients.
Have you been told that you are “too much” or “too loud”?
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