Are you hiding behind your business? I’ll confess, I’ve been doing that for a long time.
I know this might sound odd coming from someone who records podcasts, runs events and has been in the business game for years. But here’s the thing—I’m not a fan of being the centre of attention. My business became my shield, and I let it do all the talking while I stayed safely in the background.
The irony isn’t lost on me. My work is all about connection, yet I’ve been disconnecting myself from the very people I’m meant to serve. And I suspect I’m not alone in this.
Mastering the Art of Not Being Seen
For almost five years, I hosted guests on my podcast, which was fabulous—it let me amplify other businesses while staying safely behind the mic. Even at events, I’d leap off the stage as quickly as I hopped on, trying to keep things short and snappy. It’s honestly been the same with recording the podcast. But then my podcast producer, Brianna from Bamby Media, had an honest chat with me recently. “Emma,” she said, “people need to see who you are.” And that got me thinking.
Authenticity vs. Oversharing
I’ve been wrestling with how to show up authentically without oversharing to the point it doesn’t serve my audience. A good example was at my sister Serena’s 50th birthday bash in Western Australia. I spent hours crafting a speech, trying to figure out how to celebrate her without overshadowing the moment or making it about me. This struggle is all-too-familiar professionally—am I serving my audience, or just patting my own back?
Business Development 101
We often treat business development like a checklist routine rather than a genuine opportunity to connect. It’s all too easy to get caught up in creating content, sending texts to clients, and providing services that suck up every last bit of our time and energy. If you’re anything like me, an introvert at heart, it might feel daunting to step out and be seen. But we can’t let this stop us. It’s essential to move beyond just making things or crafting messages behind the scenes and to actually show up, engaging with your audience face-to-face (or voice-to-ear!). The truth is, if I can push past my natural inclination to hide and consistently make an appearance, then anyone can do it. It’s about changing the narrative. So, stop making excuses that hold you back, and start using your unique energy and approach to connect genuinely with those around you. This shift doesn’t just help grow your business—it helps build relationships and trust, which are invaluable in any field.
From Trust Recession to Trust Building
We’re currently navigating what’s been coined as a “trust recession,” where the level of trust people have, both personally and professionally, has taken a nose dive. Unfortunately, hiding behind our screens or content only exacerbates this issue. When we stay in the shadows, it amplifies suspicion and uncertainty. It’s a vicious cycle—people can’t trust what they can’t see, and when we’re invisible, we miss the chance to build solid relationships with our audience.
So, what’s the fix? Showing up, plain and simple. By stepping out and allowing ourselves to be seen, we invite connection. It’s about putting yourself out there genuinely, letting people see who you are beyond your brand or business. Show up at events, host webinars, engage in live discussions—invite dialogue and demonstrate transparency. Because at the end of the day, the more we show up and stand in the light, the more we pave the way for trust to grow and for our audience to feel that connection.
Counting the Cost of Staying Hidden
Have you ever truly considered the cost of not showing up? Hiding behind your computer screen might seem like the safer path, but it comes with significant drawbacks that can stifle both personal growth and business success.
The absence of visibility can lead to a disconnect not just with potential clients but also with your existing community. Without your consistent presence, relationships cannot deepen, trust cannot strengthen, and opportunities for collaboration and innovation remain unexplored. Every day you remain unseen is a day your audience might forget about you, opt for a more visible competitor, or miss out on the value you bring. The real cost of staying hidden is not just measured in lost sales or missed milestones but in the missed potential for impact and transformation.
So, consider what it truly means to remain hidden, and weigh it against the immense value of being seen and heard. It’s a choice between stagnation and vibrant growth—one that can redefine the way you operate and connect in the realm of business.
Consider this your permission slip to step out in the way that works for you and resonates with your audience. I’d love to hear what you think. Share this with your business mates who could use a nudge to show up more consistently. Let’s do this together!
Emma McQueen:
For a copy of Emma’s book, ‘Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive’ – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/