The best antidote for fear is knowledge.
At last week’s FreelanceCLT event, one theme stood out for me – freelancers, not surprisingly, are afraid. Afraid of failure. Afraid of running out of money. And I know it’s not just freelancers and solo entrepreneurs, but those fears seem louder when you don’t have a salary and a 401(k) to fall back on.
I have seen a similar fear overshadow the confidence of small business owners. It takes confidence to start a small business, to quit a corporate paycheck, to go out on your own and put your stamp on the world.
So, why not name that fear and then do something about it? Are you afraid to start a company Facebook fan page, because you don’t understand the inner workings of Facebook and don’t have time to read a dictionary-sized guidebook about it? Are you afraid that you won’t be able to track your time, your invoices or deal with the IRS?
My philosophy? Jump in, get your feet wet, and then change and grow as needed. The world will not stop to let you catch up.
I am not a blogging expert, but I started one. I am not an expert at naming a company, or putting together invoices, or going after new business – but I didn’t wait to become an expert first. I’m learning as I’m doing – isn’t that what the “real world” is all about?
None of us had a Twitter handbook when it first came out. But I didn’t want to wait for one – I wanted to find out for myself. I think many of us who are freelancers or small biz entrepreneurs have that itch within us. So why do we let fear take away that drive for knowledge?
So today I say to you – just do it. (thanks Nike). Just start that Facebook page, create a Twitter account, put together an invoice system – put pen to paper and just go. You will be amazed, once again, at what you can do. And when you need help, just ask.
Backstage Communications 
A phenomenal blog post that translates to everyone – be it freelancers, small business owners and everyone in between. Fear is not something to be scared of, it’s something to embrace and overcome. Nice job Lia!!
Thank you my dear – YOU are a great example of someone who kicks fear in the face whenever it comes around!
When I started my business I had no idea it would evolve to what I am doing now. Taking that leap of faith and going after what you want is what you need to start. The rest will follow! If you fall just get back up and try again. No one can shut you down but yourself!
Good point, Giovanni. You have to be flexible – don’t fear a path that leads in new directions. It could end in a better place than you thought!
You put words to my fears! Keep up the blogging!
Thanks Steven! Keep us updated with how everything goes – exciting stuff for the Kings!
Oh my goodness. The last few days have been cry, sleep, repeat. Frustration to the nth degree for me and it all translates to FEAR and I see that thanks to your blogpost. Thank you my dear for speaking to me 🙂
Melissa, you just need to kick that fear in the ass. You are beautiful, talented and strong, and you can do anything!
Awesome reminder, Lia! And you are someone who has really put these words into practice too – proud of you!
Thanks Erin 😉 Thanks to good friends like you who remind me to be confident!