You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out to Build a 6-Figure Business
Screw the 6-Figure Business Rule: How to Establish Your Authority (Even If You're Just Starting Out)
Most people will dream of a different life, while trudging through a job they despise. But if you don't want that life, you can take the entrepreneurial path and become your boss. When you choose this route, you decide to monetize your knowledge or passion. And you'll hear countless voices online telling you not to teach anyone you don't know - you need 9,678,438,345 clients or a 6-figure business first. So if you haven't reached that lofty stage, are you even legitimate to become a coach or influencer?
This eternal phrase about needing experience to teach is everywhere. You see it when job-hunting too - you get rejected for lacking experience, but how can you gain that experience if you don't try? Many social media coaches preach the same thing. And it has created a lot of consequences for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
The Fear of Selling
Many female entrepreneurs are scared to sell, feeling they aren't "legitimate" enough. So they get trapped in an endless cycle of training, buying courses and certifications, just to feel "worthy" of selling. But clients don't need certificates - they need someone who can solve their problems. Many self-taught coaches without formal training are getting incredible results for their clients. The advantage? They test, have a better relationship with failure, and most importantly - they don't give up.
Take my nutrition consulting client, for instance. She has no nutrition degrees but has helped women regulate their irritable bowel syndrome, after resolving her own medical desert. She found her own protocol.
The Fear of Charging Your Worth
Many female entrepreneurs are afraid to charge the prices that would finally give them the life they truly want, and provide the best for their clients. They end up with clients asking for too much time and advice for under €50/hour. They've listened to coaches saying you need to reach a certain level first.
This happened to me too. I did lots of tests with beta testers who didn't pay for my services. I attracted people who didn't value my work, constantly second-guessing my knowledge. Worst of all, they were too demanding without taking action. I realized I had to work on my identity and self-worth. And stop underpricing myself by refining my message and ideal client.
The Fear of Unpopular Opinions
Because of the herd mentality and fear of backlash, we're afraid to voice opinions that go against the grain of our industry. For the longest time, I was scared to disagree with my coaches or others I admired, thinking "Who am I when I don't have a 6-figure business or 9,658,528,545 clients?" As if my opinion was conditional on my bank balance. But that's so untrue. That's why I stayed in "baby entrepreneur" mode, afraid of disappointing or hurting my coaches.
I started coaching women to grow their businesses, even before hitting the €5K/month mark. All my clients doubled or tripled their sales after working with me - and I have a PhD in immunology, not a marketing degree. Why? I'm self-taught - I learned to build WordPress sites, develop 4 blogs, grow Instagram and turn it into cash (regardless of follower count). I'm a guerrilla marketer who knows tricks big brands don't. And I coach my clients on the fears and mindset blocks holding them back.
I stopped listening to people who started 5–10 years ago, teaching the basics of building a business.
Slay Your Imposter Syndrome and Become the Authority You're Meant to Be
If you're anything like the countless entrepreneurs I've coached, you're probably plagued by a nagging case of imposter syndrome.
"Who am I to be teaching this?"
"I don't have the 'credentials' yet."
"I haven't reached 'X' level of success."
Sound familiar? I get it. When you're first starting out, it can feel like you're shouting into the void, wondering if anyone will even listen to you.
But here's the thing, my friend - your story is your superpower.
People crave authenticity and connection in this digital age. They don't want polished, impersonal "experts" - they want to follow real humans who've wrestled with the same challenges they're facing.
Look at the mega-influencers dominating your industry. What do they all have in common? Powerful, vulnerable storytelling that lets their audience feel like they truly know the person behind the brand.
So don't be afraid to peel back the curtain and share your unfiltered journey. Talk about the failures, the setbacks, the moments of self-doubt. Because that raw honesty is what will make you relatable, trustworthy, and memorable.
Your story is the secret sauce that will help you cut through the noise, position yourself as an authority, and turn passive followers into raving fans. So get comfortable being vulnerable - it's the key to unlocking your next level of impact and success.
Your Expertise Is Your Biggest Asset
You may be wondering if you really have what it takes to be an authority in your field. Let me tell you something - your skills are already those of an expert in the eyes of many people.
Remember, most folks are so caught up in their own lives that they simply don't have the time or energy to acquire the knowledge you've painstakingly developed over the years. They're desperately searching for someone like you to guide them.
These people are ready to invest in your offers because they know they don't possess the same capabilities as you. In their eyes, you're already an undisputed authority in your domain.
So stop underestimating yourself! Your hard-earned expertise is a rare and incredibly valuable commodity. It's what sets you apart from the masses and allows you to solve your target audience's problems in a unique way.
Conclusion:
The path to becoming a respected authority in your industry is not an easy one. It's riddled with self-doubt, fear, and the temptation to follow the "rules" set by others. But if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone, embrace your unique story and expertise, and have the courage to challenge the status quo - that's where the real magic happens.
Your audience is craving authentic, vulnerable leaders who aren't afraid to think differently and pave their own way. So shed the imposter syndrome, own your authority, and show the world what you're capable of. The rewards, both personal and professional, will be more than worth it.
This is the 9th post of the Substack challenge Sparkle on Substack 24 Essay Club run by Claire Venus from Sparkle on Substack. Please visit the linked page above to join!
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