Four reasons you're probably hiding your face online (and why you should start showing up!)

If you're an entrepreneur who hasn't posted your face in six months, your headshot is from the early 2000s, or you've said, "It's not about me, but the business," you might be hiding online!

To be clear, you don't have to do anything you don't want to. Period. End of story. But if you're a solopreneur actively hoping to grow your brand, it will be much harder without showing your face. They say our clients need to know, like, and trust us before they pull out the credit card, but it's hard to know like or trust us if they can't see us.

Below are some of the biggest reasons you might be consciously or unconsciously not showing up and why you should start!

Fear of Judgement

Fear of judgment is a common hurdle for many of us. We often find ourselves overthinking what others might think of us. 'Will my colleagues think I'm trying too hard to be an influencer?' 'Will I come across as pushy or salesy?' These thoughts have crossed my mind at some point, and I'm sure many of you can relate.

I've also had clients tell me that showing their faces or posting about themselves harms their reputation.

This list goes on and on. But though some might be true, it's important to remember that we are trying to grow a business to support our lives and that we NEED to stand out from everyone else. We have something other people need, so serving them is the focus. Plus, everyone else is trying to do the same thing. Lastly, most people aren't paying as much attention to our every move as much as we think they are. And if they are going to judge us, they will judge us whether we are showing up or not.

Body Issues

I can speak about this one with authority! The stubborn COVID weight is just half the problem. There are some angles and bits of myself I don't love and would prefer not to share.

But, as a brand photographer, I know showing myself in action is a great way to differentiate myself and potential clients, especially the camera-shy ones, who want to see as much of me as they can before deciding to book.

I recently had my Brand photos done by a fellow Brand Photographer, Diana, @dianarenneli, but before the session, I felt the same insecurity others do. I didn't like how I looked or felt in my clothes, so I went out and bought a few new things that fit me properly and looked good on me.

Thanks to  @makeupxamoy for my hair and makeup. Once I put everything together, I felt fabulous! Diana knows how to pose me, and I have a few posing tips up my sleeve.

I loved my final photos, and even though I'm not in love with every inch of my body or every image, I'm using the pictures in so many ways!

Tall Poppy Syndrome

This newish buzzword rings true to me and many other people who shrink back or hide online.

Tall Poppy Syndrome originated in Australia and New Zealand and is related to when one Poppy grows higher than all the others in a field and is cut down to size so it is the same height.

 The term now applies to business culture and how successful people (usually women) are criticized for excelling and standing out. But the fear of being cut down can keep us hiding. Sometimes, I cut myself down to size, even though I want and need to stand out and differentiate myself from everyone else.

Imposter Syndrome

Experts say that even the best and brightest in their field experience imposter syndrome. Famous folks who have talked about it include:

 Lady Gaga, Tina Fey, Sheryl Sandberg (Facebook)and Barbara Corcoran from Shark Tank. 

It took me years to say, "Im a Photographer" when asked. I would go to great lengths to say things like, "I take photographs, or "I'm just a beginner," to deflect attention or own the label, knowing so many other amazing Photographers.

The good news is that we all deal with this feeling at one point or another, but we must keep going despite it. We all have insights and expertise to share, even if we're not the best and most experienced in the world, and not sharing it would be a shame.   

If any of the above issues are holding you back from showing your face more to promote your business, hopefully, you're inspired to start showing up.

If you are ready for a refresher, reach out to me for a free call!

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