My heart goes out to every person who has told me this or something similar.

“I struggle to promote myself, even though I’m really good at what I do.”

“I’m naturally shy and I find it hard to talk to people.”

“I avoid running events / starting my own community / public speaking, because it’s too scary and stressful. Besides, who would come?”

“I’m not a good speaker because I wasn’t born that way.”

I call this the Introvert’s Dilemma, and as an introvert, I can relate to every one of these statements of belief.

In fact, I struggled with them for many years, and now and then, they still trip me up, though not as much as they used to.

I wish I could give you a once-off magic pill that will eliminate your fears and struggles forever.

But I’ll go one step further, and give you something even better, so you don’t waste any more time and money chasing after the newest fad.

Fads come and go, but there is a wisdom and an inner strength that comes from consistently trying new things, failing forward, and learning what works and what doesn’t.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

#1 Know Why You Want To Be Seen

Why do you want to promote yourself / your business / your product?
What’s in it for your clients and customers?
What will happen if you stay quiet and don’t share what you know?

#2 Make Fear Your Fuel, Not Your Prison

We all have fears.

Fear is normal. 
Fear is human.
Fear wants you to stay safe and comfortable.

To do more and be more, you have to let fear challenge you, but not stop you.

#3 Recommit On A Macro And Micro Level, Every Single Day

Macro level …

When we focus too much on our lack of resources, or lack connections, or lack of competencies, we feel small and unworthy.
Not good enough. 
“Who am I to …”

When we focus on something bigger: what’s at stake, the chance to make a difference, and the people who need our help most, we are taken outside our limitations and placed on a mountaintop from where we can see the bigger picture, and we feel energized and motivated again.

“It’s no longer about me; I am part of something bigger.”

“This is worth doing.”

On a micro level …

Do 1-3 things every day that challenge you to expand yourself beyond what you’re comfortable doing.

• Reach out to one new person on social media.
• Have a conversation with the telemarketer trying to get you to change your utilities service provider.
• Talk enthusiastically about your business / program / product the next time someone asks, “So what are you busy with?”

Ready to go deeper?
For a personalized consultation on how to implement these strategies in your business, choose an available day and time here.