Do Social Anxiety and Business Work Together?
You’re not alone and don’t have to give up.
Dear reader,
I often struggle to admit it to myself, so telling the whole world is a tough feat in itself. But on the outside i’m constantly wearing a mask that no longer fits.
Feigning confidence in social situations, reaching out to friends and trying to start a business by growing a customer base. These are all things i know that i should do — things that I fake the confidence to excel in. The things i do poorly.
But actually, the simple social things seem like a collosal task.
The thought of reaching out to someone that i don’t know, terrifies me. What will they think of me, will i tarnish my name and what if they don’t respond — do they hate me and my business.
They don’t care about you enough to have an opinion on you.
Ever heard this? The likilihood is it came from those people who have never struggled with social anxiety. It’s a quick fix to say. But if you’re reading this article, the likelihood is you’re looking for compassion rather than a solution?
Trust me. I know people don’t care enough about me or my business. But it doesn’t stop the multitude of bullet-like-thoughts fizzing through my brain and hitting my emotional cortex (aka hurting my feelings)
And why should you care? Well, some of you won’t. That’s okay. This article is mainly a way for me to express my thoughts — get them out of my head and onto paper. For others, maybe you’re experiencing the same thing. Trying to start a business of your own but completely and utterly terrified of social situations.
Here’s why it is a problem.
Networking
When you have a service based business like mine — content production — a lot of your business is going to come from word of mouth. But to stimulate that growth, networking events are a great way to get yourself in front of other businesses.
Now, i don’t mean I go there to sell my business. But simply to get to know other people — business 101 — get them to know you as a great person first and then when they need something — they’ll come to you.
Don’t sell your business. Sell yourself.
But how can i sell myself when i’m wearing a mask of confidence. When actually, the thought of going to an event causes my head and heart to go into a complete spiral — my breathing turns heavy and my legs go like jelly.
Well maybe it’s not for you.
No. I’m not taking that as an answer because i know that i’m good at what i do, and the clients that i’ve worked with appreciate me and my services.
So, what can i do?
Well, I’m not sure yet. Has anyone got any ideas? Comment them below.
Let’s bring together a community of like-minded business owners who really struggle with the social side of things. Those people who excel at the skill that they’re offering but find it incredibly difficult to get out in front of people and show them.
Can we create a list of strategies in the comments for those people who want a thriving business but really struggling getting out in front of the public?
