Listen - that judgy voice inside your head. I need you to tell it to shut up. Let go of it. Say goodbye because putting yourself out there is one of the keys to success.
It sounds scary, I'm an introvert so trust me it's hard, but what I've realized is that no one likes perfection. In fact, we crave realness! Now more than ever, we want to see raw beauty and real people in their true form. People want experts who are willing to guide them and dive deep to give answers, not based on what they look like or who they are. That's what my focus is when putting myself and my offer as an expert in branding out there.
I was inspired to write this as I recently came across a post on LinkedIn where someone said she never posted a profile picture because someone else told her "fat girls don't look good as marketing experts." This got to her but years later she built up the courage to finally post a profile picture because she realized that the way she looked didn't matter - it was the work she produced that did and she was missing out on opportunities to connect because of this. I've heard clients share their vulnerabilities, around this as well, and it breaks my heart. Because we all can relate, we've all been there. Heck, I've had a family friend say he wants to keep his branding with a different firm, outside of me, because they have a "hot staff." You know what I say to that - well you're not my ideal client anyway. Did it hurt me? Of course, I'm human! Am I going to let it get to me and miss opportunities because of him? Umm NO!
The judgment doesn't go away with a switch, you have to work on it and even then it slips in from time to time. However, the important thing to remember is that you own your life, dreams and that little voice in your head too. How many opportunities have you missed because of it? Instead of spiralling down that rabbit hole, I've decided to walk away and not listen. I've decided to push forward and put myself out there so everyone knows who I am, and I can share my offer with my dream clients. I hope you do too.