I Have Left My Comfort Zone

I committed in December to start my podcast, Libby Means Business. I am already a weekly guest/co-host on Big Thoughts Small Biz with the ever-patient Aisha Dorn and thought that would be enough. Aisha runs the show and handles all of the logistics, so I just have to appear and promote it. But the two podcasts serve different purposes. I'll get to that in a second. For both of them, I had to break free of my privacy and "put myself out there".

I do not actively seek attention. Actually, I am a pretty private person who enjoys being alone as much as I do socializing. I can speak with anyone and am pretty good company, but then I have to retreat and regroup. I know many people, have a ton of acquaintances, but have a handful of close friends and even fewer people who I consider confidants. So for me to stick my face up on YouTube each week is a big jump. But it is something my coaching business needs.

My marketing consultant insists that the podcast is a means to allow people to see me and get to know my personality. It will let me share knowledge and communicate directly with the listener, which will start to build credibility. And I know that I am impressive in person and exude knowledge. That all sounds great. Even better is that I get to visit and interview with some of the wonderful people I've had the pleasure to work with, know, and see their growth. Again - all sounds great.

But I did not know what I was doing with taping, editing, booking, promoting, etc. I read, watched podcasts, asked people and then I was able to adapt the format to fit my craziness. Instead of being hard core questions and answers, I am keeping it as a conversation, bad jokes and all. For my comfort and to portray the feeling of relaxation that I want to portray, the discussion flows like two people sitting at a coffee shop or happy hour, just talking and letting the conversation flow. I've actually had some of the most meaningful, information-packed conversations with people in those places. Within that context, we share alot of knowledge in an unassuming way, accessible to everyone. This is a format I will thrive within because it is genuinely me talking to someone with whom I have a genuine interest.

Bottom line is that I had to put aside my fear, my negative self-talk, and any hesitation I have about failure and just get on with podcasting. Now I think I am actually becoming good at editing and booking guests. I've created a monster, or more correctly, I've slayed the monster who kept me hidden. The Libby Means Business podcast is not perfect, but I hope it is enjoyable and educational.

Take a listen. Comment. Subscribe. If you want to be a guest, contact me at https://calendly.com/libby-coaching. Also listen to the Big Thoughts Small BIz podcast too as Aisha and I dive deep into topics affecting small businesses.