Your audience wants to see you is something I am constantly telling you my audience and clients. It’s all about the image and visuals you give them, but personally, this has always been a struggle for me. You can say that I have always been plagued with insecurities that caused me to Behind the scenes up into this point in my life. They always say if you want to solve an issue go to the root of the problem. My problems stem from a childhood of never having an identity in my family per se. My family is a military family, so we moved often. I have lots of fond memories growing up state side in Miami when my mom got out of the army, and my dad was station aboard.
Things drastically changed when moved to Texas though for my siblings and me. You see in Miami we grew up with our cousins, built in friends. I’m socially awkward, so it was hard for me to form friendship then throw in learning disability and I just didn’t talk to people. My parents separated when I was going into the 8th grade. Our mother is mentally ill and left. That’s another story, but if you follow me on social media you know she is very much part of my life now.
Well, my dad is a guy and knew nothing about raising two young girls. So, I got boobs like full c cups in 8th grade. Lots of boy attention I didn’t want. During this time I got my period too. Yeah, not that great of a time. Now, add on my dad focused me being smart, not beautiful. At the age of 32, I realize how pretty I am. This isn’t me being vain or anything like that. For a long time, I thought I was fat and ugly, cues eating disorder struggles.
All those things were the root of me not wanting to be in front of the world but more behind the scenes so no one saw me. As I was teaching clients how to be more visible, I was not doing it myself. It honestly did hurt my business. Because I was not allowing the opportunities that came to me to flourish losing money in the long run.
How To Step From Behind The Scene’s Into The Frame
Learn the root of why you don’t want others to see you is one of the biggest hurdles that you will face when taking this leap out your comfort zone. These are a couple of things I have done to help me make this transition. Each one of these tips worked with the next to provide the confidence I needed to help my business and myself.
Go To Therapy: I started attending a weekly therapy session while I was in college for sexual trauma and more that happen to me. Over the last several years, I have gone on and off. If you do not have the finances or insurance that will cover the cost google “Free Therapy” and your city location. That is how I found my current therapist that I love going to. It’s one of the best things I can do for myself. Someone who doesn’t know me helping me not lies to myself.
Small Steps Matter: If you have become comfortable with being behind the scene the anxiety that will occur from doing a significant leap could cause a panic attack. Take a small step such as; post a selfie with an introduction. Make it a goal to share you or a piece of your company in a vulnerable way weekly.
Join The Group: Community matters when it comes to building your self-confidence and your business. Start getting out there and networking with like minded individuals. The main tip of this point doesn’t run when the camera person comes. Get in that photo and then interact in the comments when it’s posted on social media.
Schedule A Photo Shoot: Yup takes that leap and gets some new imagery for your brand. You need new headshots, anyway! Having a friend that takes photos of me once a month for social media has been a life saver and helped me go from behind the scenes to in front of the lens.
As I wrote last year, people buy from people they trust, and you need your audience to see you to trust you. Your audience can connect with you on a deeper level knowing what you look like, what’s your favorite coffee or if you binge watch tv shows. They want to connect with you. You have to give them that chance thus creating a bond for them to support your endeavors.
