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Forbes Coaches Council

As a new solopreneur, you face a daunting challenge. You’re ready to work and may even have years of relevant industry experience, but you need to build credibility to attract customers.

Many new solopreneurs lack the confidence needed to put themselves out there. They’re afraid of coming across as boastful or egotistic. But in order to build a truly effective brand, getting in the spotlight is absolutely essential.

Below, members of Forbes Coaches Council explain how you can get over your modesty.

From left to right: Jenn Lederer, Mark Moyer, Jackie Nagel, Laura DeCarlo, Sally Fox, Cheryl Lynch Simpson, Cory Boyas, Janet Zaretsky, Greg Faxon, Tina Dietz, Jen Kelchner. All photos courtesy of the individual members.

1. Retrain Your Brain 

Most people avoid shining “too brightly” because they don’t want to make others feel bad for not shining as brightly. There is a fear that if you celebrate yourself too much, people won’t like you. Modesty is a misguided survival technique. Take it one step at a time, one Facebook post at a time, and retrain your brain that it is safe to shine. In fact, it can even be fun. – Jenn LedererJenn Lederer, LLC

2. Focus On What Your Customers Want 

Most solopreneurs focus so much on the sale that they lose sight of what their potential customer truly needs. I’ve found that if solopreneurs simply ask their client base what they want and use that information to develop their offerings, they will stand out above those simply selling for the sake of it. Their “branding” will rise in step with their understanding of who their customers truly are. – Mark MoyerCompass Points Advisors LLC

3. Embrace Your Brand Promise

Is it modesty or unfounded beliefs of inadequacy and unworthiness that cause solopreneurs to falter in strengthening their brand? A strong brand isn’t bloated or boastful (consumers see that a mile away). A strong brand is one that communicates the promise you consistently bring to your clients with integrity. Be proud — not apologetic — of your commitment. – Jackie NagelSynnovatia

4. Use Visualization To Believe You Can Do It 

Entrepreneurs, especially female, tend to be modest about bringing their gifts into the world, whether that’s humility or shyness. The most potent tool is to use visualization, as our brains cannot tell the difference between something that really happened and a story we paint for it. Spend 15 minutes a night seeing the action you desire in crystalline detail and it will crush that modesty. – Laura DeCarloCareer Directors international

5. Practice Humility, Not Modesty 

Modesty can mean not taking credit for things you deserve credit for, shunning the spotlight when the world really needs your story or turning your back on your brand. But humility means allowing others to share credit with you, shining the light on the accomplishments of your clients and building a brand that leads to community. Take pride and be humble — that’s an unbeatable brand. – Sally FoxEngaging Presence

6. Share The Facts

“It ain’t bragging if it’s true.” Whether you attribute the quote to Will Rogers or Dizzy Dean, it still makes a simple statement. If you can jumpstart revenue or catalyze new business, saying so will do you and your client a huge favor — so long as you tell the truth about the difference you can make for them. No exaggeration is needed. Just the facts, artfully presented. That’s what branding is ultimately all about. – Cheryl Lynch SimpsonExecutive Resume Rescue

7. Be Authentic 

Who will believe in you if you don’t first believe in yourself? The reality is that in today’s world, we have a multitude of options for making purchases. Our unique selling proposition, therefore, is simply to be ourselves. Connect with like-minded individuals and above all, be authentic; it’s okay to be imperfect. Inspire others with your words and actions, not your products and services. – Cory BoyasCory Boyas

8. Believe In Your Contribution

“Don’t brag” is the solopreneurs biggest enemy. The modest mindset is simply a thinking habit rooted in the past. Change your mindset. Create a new habit — one of sharing your gifts and business success with the world. You went into business to contribute something, if you don’t tell someone about it, you will not only fail, you will rob the world of your contribution. – Janet ZaretskyThe Zenith Business

9. Lead With Results 

This isn’t about you, it’s about what you do for the people you serve — especially if you provide a service. Let your results speak for you by putting your testimonials and case studies front and center on your website and in your interactions with potential clients. Not only is this easier if you are a naturally shy person, it’s also more likely to yield business for you. – Greg FaxonGreg Faxon Enterprises, LLC

10. Don’t Confuse Modesty With Fear 

The confident, service-oriented entrepreneur shares freely, but the fearful, scarcity-oriented entrepreneur defends and speaks in jargon. The best way to overcome your concerns about coming off as arrogant or “braggy” is to make it all about the people you’re out to make a difference with. Get curious about what they need. Then share your expertise through your brand to address those needs. – Tina DietzStartSomething Creative Business Solutions

11. Showcase Your Value Through Action 

Create a complimentary offer or free line item that shows off your value and engages the potential client. This allows for your work to speak for itself. Never be afraid to post your prior client testimonials, especially social proof screen shots, to your website! This “proof” will continue to provide credibility and increase your influence through your brand.  Jen Kelchner, Kelchner Advisory

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