When two women entrepreneurs shared the same story with me it gave me a sense of deja vu…because I had heard it all before. Both women started the conversation with an apology (not a good sign) and confessed that the people closest to them had no idea they had started a business. Or, had a website. Or, that they were so passionate about their business they were losing sleep over it. In a good way. The conversation went something like, “I’m sorry to say that my (fill in the blank with the name of those closest to you) doesn’t know I’m doing this.” I’ve heard this story many times during my three decades+ as a direct sales leader, coach, and mentor.
The question is this: Why are so many women hiding their true passion, afraid to open the door and share their dreams with those closest to them? The common answer is FEAR – fear of failure, fear of success, fear of putting ourselves out there to be judged by the people we know and love the most.
Our inner circle knows the “real” us, right? I don’t think they do.
It’s the reason I titled the first chapter of my book, “You’re Not Who Everyone Thinks You Are.”
Here are 5 Things You Can Do To Stop Hiding Your True Passion:
1. Stop worrying about what your friends, family, co-workers, or the neighbor next door thinks about you. While it might be easier said than done, realize that most negative opinions are based on a lack of belief. The naysayers are not capable of supporting you to come out of hiding because they’ve locked themselves into their own limiting beliefs. Meaning it’s their “shift”, not yours.
2. Go Full Monty. Letting the real you shine through is a lot like being naked in public in bright daylight. You might feel exposed and vulnerable, wishing you could be the invisible woman or man. But, have you ever been on a Caribbean vacation with a “clothing optional” beach? You’d think everyone would be staring, but when everyone is naked no one seems to really care.
3. Free Your Dreams And You’ll Free Your Fears. Letting the real you out is scary and exhilarating all at the same time, kind of like a roller coaster. Let’s face it, it can be a wild ride. After you’ve faced the “Demon Roller” you’ll be ready to conquer the world. When everyone knows you’ve acted on your passion and purpose there’s nothing left to stop you.
4. Take Responsibility For Keeping Your Passion A Secret. Hiding behind the “if only” story is really just a convenient excuse. Meaning, we would totally be a success “if only” we could get out and find new customers. That excuse plays well until your cousin posts on Facebook that they just started a direct sales business, and guess what? They’re doing the same thing you are. Ouch. But don’t blame them. They had no idea what you were up to.
5. Be Proud, Out Loud. It takes courage, belief, persistence, and determination to act on your passion and purpose. Proudly celebrate all your achievements and tell stories about the obstacles you’ve overcome to get where you are. Go LIVE and start with these words, “I never imagined when I started (your biz) that…” Then fill in the blank to tell your authentic story. Stop selling and start using social media to inspire others. Your vibe will attract your tribe, including those motivated business builders you’re trying to find.
Ready to really rock your direct sales biz?
Join my VIP Group for direct sellers and get my popular Vendor Event Course as a bonus... a $97 value! PLUS 2 more gifts: What to post on your Facebook Page to book more Facebook parties and my Top 10 Call-To-Action Posts For Facebook Parties, along with How To Build A Booming Facebook Group in your exclusive Members-Only Learning Center. Learn more. Lynn Bardowski is an award-winning entrepreneur and bestselling author of Success Secrets of a Million Dollar Party Girl. In addition, she speaks to global audiences about Direct Sales Success, Women’s Empowerment, and Social Selling. What's more, she's a valuable resource for press, media and bloggers. Follow Lynn on her social sites by clicking on the icons on the top left of this page.
