You may not know this about me but the first time I posted a video on YouTube I was terrified. As a matter of fact, I only recorded videos so that students taking my self-publishing course would have a replay of the session in case they couldn't make it live.
My biggest issue was perfectionism. I watched the videos back and would cringe. I hated my voice... used too many filler words like ummms and ahhhs. You know? (haha that's another one that came up often when I was recording myself. I didn't like the way that I looked and picked apart my appearance.
"I'm too heavy. Bad hair day. The video quality stinks. The audio needs to be better. I need better equipment... a better quality production before I could possibly show them publicly. " -- me every time I watched one of my videos.
When I saw how much the videos were helping my clients, I knew I had to bite the bullet and just do it. My desire to help more people and my heart for authors was stronger than the fear, imposter syndrome and perfectionism.
Slowly I started posting the videos and now recently topped 100,000 views and 10,000 watch hours on my self-publishing content. I have slowly improved equipment, and work hard at getting better with my videos, but I am so glad I put myself out there.
I know a lot of female entrepreneurs struggle with this same issue, so I was thrilled to share my journey to visibility (and a few YouTube tips too) on The Show Up + Be Seen Show. My episode is premiering inside the Show Up + Be Seen Facebook group. If you’re a female entrepreneur, I’d love for you to join the group and check it out.
The owner of the group, Valerie McTavish is an award-winning producer and scriptwriter with over 30 years of television, radio and advertising production experience. Now she uses her decade of digital marketing experience to guide female entrepreneurs in growing their online businesses using intentional content strategies and big-picture focus.
I have been binge-watching her video content and it is gold! If you're like me and hesitant to put yourself out there... remember that you are not only cheating yourself, but all those that would have been helped by hearing your wisdom, tips and encouragement.
Something magical happens when you push yourself outside your comfort zone. You expand and grow, personally and professionally. Come and check out my youtube channel, Self-Publishing Made Simple, especially if you are a new or aspiring author looking to self-publish a book.