Written by: Kim Ward, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
When I think of a solopreneur, I think of you. A go-getter who wants to put their stamp on the world while providing freedom and options for you and your family, without losing your sanity.
That can feel overwhelming for you and at times, maybe impossible. Especially because you’re wearing so many different hats as a solopreneur while simultaneously raising a family.
You are motivated to do your best but may feel that you’re spread so thin. I was there too.
My journey as an entrepreneur began on 12/28/14. I was eight months pregnant with my daughter and had just received a phone call that my mother had taken her own life. The news was devastating and all too familiar. Unfortunately, I had also lost my only sister to suicide 7 years prior. That night I was reminded, yet again, of how precious and short life may be.
Something inside me switched. I did not want to return to a corporate job where I didn’t have the freedom and flexibility that I was longing for. Knowing that I would soon give birth to my second daughter, I wanted to raise her myself. The thought of working hard for someone else just to pay for daycare didn’t appeal to me. That’s when the vision began.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re just doing everything wrong in your business, you’ll love this next part!
Without capital or a desire for a “brick and mortar” establishment, I turned to social media. Honestly, I had no clue how to show up effectively on social media and after 4 months of no sales, no inquiries, barely any conversations, I turned to a mentor.
She said, “You need to do a video and tell your story”. My first thought was “Who wants to hear my story?” but I trusted her and was willing to trust the process.
I posted my video on social media that same day. It was real, raw, unscripted and very transparent. I was actually uncomfortable being myself.
Have you ever felt that way?
If you’re still reading, it’s safe to assume that you said yes. Now that I know we’re on the same page, I can give you the one word that will change your entire business.
Authenticity.
Yeah, it’s that simple. Let me explain.
After I posted that video I had an overwhelming response. Comments and messages were pouring in. My audience resonated with me. My body language, my personality, my story.
That was the pivotal point in my business. The more authentic I was, the more my followers and my business grew! Here I am, seven years later as an active parent whose daughter has never been in daycare! We did it! Built a business through the teething & tantrums!
You can follow your business plan, follow every social media course but the fact of the matter is, if you’re not willing to be authentic, you’ll never attract the people who need you.
Be you. Show up and share yourself with your audience. Give them something to relate to and let them know that you and your business are the solutions to their pains and problems.
It may feel uncomfortable but when you’re showing up authentically, you are providing hope to someone who needs it and maybe, just maybe you are the answer to their prayers.
Who will you inspire and impact today?
Kim Ward, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Kim Ward, is a leader among driven entrepreneurs, helping them find their fire so they no longer feel defeated and make decisions that move them closer to their goals instead of sleepwalking through their day. After losing her sister and mother to suicide, and surviving an attempt of her own, Kim has dedicated herself to improving the quality of lives around her. She is the CEO of Katie's Mission, a nonprofit organization fighting to end the stigma around mental health and providing wrap-around services to those in need. Kim is a co-author in a 1 best-selling compilation book in 4 countries - "The Power of Yes. How Network Marketing Creates Dream Lives". Her mission: Help you get through challenges and adversity with a powerful truth that can help those around you.
