Fear is your biggest obstacle, not the algorithm. Here’s why putting yourself out there is the key to scaling your business—and yourself.
If you’ve ever hesitated before hitting “post,” you’re not alone. The internet is intimidating, and the fear of judgment, rejection, or even failure can feel paralyzing. But here’s the thing: no one cares as much as you think they do. The fear of putting yourself out there is often just that—fear. It’s an invisible wall stopping you from unlocking growth, both in your business and personally. And if you’re serious about promoting your online business, you must take that leap.
The Reluctance to Be Seen
Imagine you’ve spent months, maybe years, building your business behind the scenes. You’ve perfected your product and polished your website, and now you’re ready for the big reveal. But as soon as it’s time to put yourself—your brand, your name, your face—out into the digital world, your hands freeze over the keyboard. The doubt creeps in: What if I look foolish? What if no one cares?
Let’s take Susan’s story, for example. A talented graphic designer who had worked for years in the corporate world, Susan decided to break free and launch her online business. She had the skills and the experience, but when it came time to promote herself, she balked. She’d spend hours fine-tuning Instagram posts only to delete them. She’d write LinkedIn updates but never hit publish. In her mind, she was one post away from humiliation.
But here’s the truth—Susan’s business didn’t grow because of her talent alone. It grew when she put herself out there, take a few risks, and show her audience who she was.
That shift wasn’t immediate, and it certainly wasn’t easy. However, Susan could connect with her audience more deeply by embracing that discomfort. People weren’t just buying her designs; they were also into her journey. And when you’re selling online, that separates a business from a brand.
The Mindset Shift
Why is putting yourself out there so terrifying? In a word, ego. The fear of being judged, of showing vulnerability, stems from a protective mechanism our brains have developed over millennia. In entrepreneurship, this fear can be exacerbated by social media’s constant feedback loop of likes, shares, and comments—or worse, lack thereof.
But here’s the thing: fear doesn’t generate revenue. Action does.
To reframe this, consider every post, every podcast interview, and every live webinar as a business investment. Yes, there’s a risk. But as with all investments, the potential upside is massive. Every time you make yourself visible, you expand your reach, build trust with potential clients, and distinguish yourself in an otherwise crowded market.
Let’s look at another story—Jake, a fitness coach who took his expertise online. Initially, Jake was terrified of being perceived as a fraud. Despite years of experience and credentials, he feared his online audience would call him out for not being “perfect” enough. His first few YouTube videos were awkward; he hated how his voice sounded and stumbled over his words. His Instagram account? Ghost town. Yet, he committed to posting content regularly, refining his message, and showing up for his audience. Within a year, Jake’s business had tripled. Not because he had the flashiest ads or the slickest videos but because he showed up consistently and authentically.
The Power of Storytelling
Here’s the kicker: your story is your biggest asset. Not your product, not your website design, not even your pricing strategy. The narrative draws people in and makes them believe in what you’re doing. And the more honest and vulnerable you are, the more your audience will connect with you.
Take a cue from some of the biggest names in online business. Gary Vaynerchuk, for example, doesn’t just sell wine or social media strategies—he sells his story. He talks openly about his immigrant roots, the grind of growing his family business, and the sacrifices he made along the way. It’s not just business advice that draws people to him; it’s the human connection he fosters by putting himself out there raw and unfiltered.
People want to buy from people, not faceless corporations. When you put yourself out there, flaws and all, you make it easier for people to see the human behind the business. And in an age of AI, automation, and virtual everything, that human element is more valuable than ever.
What’s the Worst That Could Happen?
Now, I get it. The fear is real. The prospect of putting yourself out there can feel like stepping onto a stage without knowing if there’s an audience or if they’ll throw tomatoes. But here’s the question you must ask yourself: what’s the worst that could happen?
Let’s take it back to Susan for a moment. Did every post she put out go viral? Absolutely not. Some were complete flops, barely getting any engagement. But for every post that was missed, there was one that hit. And those hits? They led to new clients, increased sales, and opportunities she couldn’t have predicted. The same applies to you. Not every piece of content you create will resonate, but the only way to find out what works is by putting yourself out there consistently.
And when you think about it, what’s the alternative? Staying in your comfort zone might feel safe, but it’s also where businesses go to die. The world doesn’t need more businesses that play it safe; it needs entrepreneurs willing to take risks, share their stories, and step into the spotlight.
It’s Time to Show Up
You’ve built something. You’ve invested time, energy, and resources into creating a product or service you believe in. But none of that matters if no one knows about it. You must overcome the fear of putting yourself out there to grow your online business. Start with one post. One video. One email. Share your story, challenges, journey—whatever it takes to make that human connection.
Success in the online world isn’t reserved for the fearless. It’s reserved for those willing to face their fear, show up, and keep showing up. So, what’s stopping you?
If you’re ready to grow your business, it’s time to put yourself out there. Don’t let fear keep you from reaching the audience that needs what you offer. Hit “publish” and let the world see what you’ve been working on. After all, the only way to truly fail is by staying invisible.
Your audience is waiting. Show up for them—and for yourself.
Onward and upward,
Chris Brya, Founder, DigitizeU
