The Doorway Group

The Fear of Failing: 

For many small business owners, the fear of failure looms, shadowing self-confidence. Starting a business is a bold leap into the unknown (very brave) and admitting vulnerability by acknowledging the possibility of failure can be daunting. However, it's crucial to remember that vulnerability is not synonymous with weakness; rather, it's the courage to face the unknown. Courage isn’t being scared; its doing it anyway. I have personally started 4 small businesses, one with a starting budget of $100. I turned this into a 6 figure business and it took a lot of deep breaths, trial and error plus a mega load of determination. 

The Wicked Cloak of Comparison:

In the digital age, social media paints a vivid picture of success stories and seemingly flawless ventures. Let's be honest, it can be very fake. The constant comparison to others who appear more accomplished can cast doubt on one's abilities. The weight of this comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, causing self-confidence to waver. The invasive doubting loved ones can have an ever greater impact. 

I love to stay in my own lane, I rarely watch the competition and as a rule I NEVER COMPARE. We are all unique, so if you have mastered your art, you know how to tell YOUR story and be of service to others- leave the fakery to others. It can be difficult to do, but trust me its worth it. 

Have you read our Tall Poppy Syndrome article? Click here if this area interests you more.  

New Roads

Starting and managing a small business is akin to setting foot onto vast, new territory.  The terrain in the business game means agile feet and reminding yourself feeling uneasy is completely normal! Lower your expectations on how you SHOULD feel and take a moment to give yourself praise, a pat on the back- you started something! 

The Dance of Feedback:

Small business owners are no strangers to feedback and criticism. While constructive feedback can be invaluable, vulnerability arises when opening up to favourable and unfavourable opinions. Learning to know what to listen to, and when to be objective is crucial. We can all learn, and we never stop! Learn to recognise the wheat from the husk as my Grandfather would say. Taking things too personally even when you're passionate about what you do, is a sign your identity is a little too tangled in expectations or feedback. So if this is happening for you, make a note of it to explore a little deeper. 

We’re off to see the Emerald City of Excellence… or are we? 

Pursuing excellence is noble, yet it can also become a source of vulnerability, and not in a Brene Brown way. Small business owners who set high standards for themselves and their ventures may fear falling short of their expectations. This fear can chip away at their confidence. How many times have you committed to doing a video for your online marketing and stop because it’s not “perfect” or it doesnt look like other peoples? Striving for high standards is brilliant- but perfection? Nope. Remember that we cannot sustain perfection or excellence in every tiny component of what we do. Choose wisely friends. Burnout is real. Perfection does not equal success, it is the antithesis of it. 

The Solitary Brick Road: 

Entrepreneurship can be a solitary journey, particularly for solopreneurs or small teams. The absence of a robust support system or a network to lean on can magnify feelings of vulnerability. The isolation of this path can challenge one's confidence. We need friends! Friends in business or business networking that is safe and trusted, or a mentor! (hint hint) We often look after business clients who just want someone to "bounce off" and sometimes clear the air, and it is a confidential space. 

Embracing the Thread of Vulnerability:

Rather than viewing vulnerability as a weakness, small business owners can embrace it as a source of strength. They can cultivate resilience and self-assurance by acknowledging their fear of failure, learning from feedback, and seeking support. Brains, heart, courage and friends are our best companions.

Once we start to navigate our vulnerability, fears and the thoughts and opinions of others we build confidence. Confidence growth is like building a home, one brick at a time. 

Confidence building means sometimes facing our blockages and can be a catalyst for growth. The thread of though delicate, can enrich the path we walk (or dance.)

Interested in boosting your marketing or learn more about how to amplify your Digital Media efforts? Check out the Digital Solutions Program, based in Victoria, the program is for eligible small business operators and we are very humbled to be mentors for the program. You can check it out here:  digitalsolutions.melbourneinnovation.com.au