Alizé Utteryn is an award-winning serial media entrepreneur, businesswoman, publisher, journalist and international networker based in New York. After a successful professional career as Senior Human Resources executive in France and the Czech Republic, she came in 2009 to the United States.
Showing up is more than just being present; it’s about how you present yourself. As Brené Brown wisely says, "The willingness to show up changes us; it makes us a little braver each time." For small business owners, the way you present yourself in any situation can significantly impact your success and relationships.
It’s not something that’s always explicitly taught—some people have it, and others don’t. However, even if you feel you don’t, you can still practice and improve. Never underestimate the power of seemingly simple actions. Your presence is not merely a physical act but a potent expression of your commitment, character, and confidence. Understanding this can transform how you engage with clients, employees, and the wider community, amplifying your impact and forging deeper connections.
Here's why and how to show up effectively
1. First impressions
Your appearance, body language, and demeanor are crucial. Dressing appropriately and maintaining positive body language are essential, whether you're leading or following. How you show up and contribute reflects on your brand. For me, representing my brand AlizéLaVie—an embodiment of elegance, glamour, charm, and sophistication—means that even on my worst days, I must show up and represent.
Investing in a wardrobe that aligns with your brand is vital. Even on challenging days, presenting yourself polished and on-brand leaves a lasting impression. I ensure that people remember me wherever I go. While mastering the art of effective clothing takes time and practice, consistently applying these principles is the only path to success.
2. Attitude and energy
Bring a positive attitude and high energy to every interaction. This positivity is contagious and uplifting, especially in leadership roles. How you approach life, work, and others serves as both an example and a contribution, significantly impacting those around you. For leaders, this impact is even more pronounced.
People with a strong presence excel at managing the energy in a room. They facilitate discussions effectively, listen skillfully, and manage time well. In virtual meetings, turning your camera on to engage more personally can make a significant difference.
Ultimately, how you show up is a reflection of your self-esteem, discipline, and values. It’s about more than just physical appearance; it encompasses your actions, engagement, and the respect you command from others. Remember, you are your best business card.
3. Consistency
Be reliable and consistent in your behavior. Consistency is the cornerstone of trust and credibility—essentials for business success. People do business with those they trust, and consistency also boosts profitability.
Show up regularly and share your brilliance. Consistency is the silent force that builds empires. It reflects a commitment to taking care of yourself both physically and mentally. Showing up every day isn’t optional; it’s a commitment to personal growth and continuous improvement.
Initially, progress may seem slow and incremental, but as you persist, you build momentum. Consistently working toward your goals amplifies your efforts over time, making your progress more productive and efficient. Embrace the journey of personal growth, knowing that every step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your overall success.
4. Communication
Effective communication is crucial. Listen actively, speak clearly, and be mindful of your tone and words. Simplicity and brevity equal clarity of thought. Set clear goals for every communication event and practice being concise—four sentences usually take 30 seconds to say out loud. Building this skill will serve you well in interactions with senior leaders.
Let your passion show. Speak from your head, heart, and gut. Building self-awareness helps you understand your strengths and how to leverage them. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Seek clear and specific feedback whenever possible and delve deeply into personal assessments you’ve taken.
Once you’re clear on your strengths and what makes you unique, create a list of values that drive you day-to-day and know how to articulate them to others. Your strengths, combined with your values, define how you show up, manage, and lead.
Take up space! Use big, descriptive gestures that are congruent with your content. Be more than a “reporter” who communicates the facts. Interpret the facts. What does it mean to you/them? How do you feel about the information and how do you want your stakeholders/audience to feel?
5. Authenticity
Be true to yourself so you show up as the best you. Authenticity fosters deeper connections and respect. A strong presence combines various skills to clearly and confidently express your ideas and inspire others. How you show up matters! You don’t need to excel in every area, but consistently preparing and practicing will make you stand out from the crowd.
By focusing on these elements, you ensure that you show up in the best possible way, positively influencing your personal and professional life.
Ways to show up
There are so many ways you can show up consistently in your business. Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling.
Be a guest on podcasts: Sharing your story and expertise can help spread the word about your business. Self-made billionaire Cindy Eckert continues to appear on podcasts because she understands the importance of showing up.
Attend networking events: Consistently engage with new contacts and follow up to build lasting relationships.
Write blog posts: Regularly publishing content: daily (hello Seth Godin), weekly, twice a month, or monthly keeps you in front of your audience.
Post on social media: Share helpful and engaging stories on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. several times per week.
Go live on Facebook: Engage every week with your audience directly through live sessions, providing valuable information and answering questions.
How you show up is not as important as the fact that you actually do show up
Choose something that feels good for you and that you know you will follow through on. Remember, the key is to show up consistently and in places where your ideal clients are.
If you think you don’t have time to show up as often as you’d like, it may be time to take a closer look at how you’re actually spending your time. Tracking your time for two weeks can help you find opportunities to be more present. Capture your activities in 15-minute increments for fourteen days, and then review the numbers. A handy (and free) tool for this is Toggl.
Keep in mind this isn't about you; it's about serving your audience—the people you can support with your knowledge and information. In addition to showing up, you also want to share your valuable information and offers in a balanced way. Use the Pareto principle of 80/20: eighty percent of the time, share relevant and valuable information; twenty percent of the time, share your offers.
By showing up and connecting with people regularly, you'll create a positive ripple effect in your business and beyond. This is what Jeff Haden calls “The improvement ripple effect: how focusing on improving one thing, no matter how small, naturally leads to improvements in other areas.”
I hope you’re feeling inspired to choose a way to show up repeatedly and start making it happen. Now get on it!
Alizé Utteryn, Serial Media Entrepreneur and Publicist
Alizé Utteryn is an award-winning serial media entrepreneur, businesswoman, publisher, journalist and international networker based in New York. After a successful professional career as Senior Human Resources executive in France and the Czech Republic, she came in 2009 to the United States... She has since become a leader in Media, Communication and Public Relations. She is the CEO of AlizéLaVie, a global media and marketing company. promoting cultures diversity and talents around the world. Her mission is to empower change, share stories, elevate and inspire... Passionate philanthropic, her leadership and unfailing determination to make a difference in this world are often praised while inspiring others.
