Earlier this year, I had a couple of work setbacks that rattled my confidence and left me feeling dispirited.
On a day when I was really not feeling great about myself, I planned to attend an online networking event for “Multi 6 & 7-Figure Speakers.”
I felt intimidated and off my game.
But that morning, as I was getting dressed — in a bright floral power blouse that made me feel good — I said to my boyfriend, “You know, I always talk about the power of a strong brand. And even though I'm having a hard time right now, at least I do feel confident about my brand and messaging.”
And I meant it.
Even with my confidence shaken, I knew I had a distinctive, elevated brand at my back. And that really did help me show up that day.
Then, as I was introducing myself on the call, a woman I’d coincidentally met the week before told the group to check out my website because it was so beautiful.
Fuck yeah — it is. And I really settled in.
The Holding Back Tax
When my confidence was shaky, I was so grateful that my brand gave me something solid to lean on.
It represented me professionally when I couldn’t quite muster the energy to hype myself up. It backed up my expertise when imposter syndrome was whispering in my ear.
But what happens when your brand is one of the things making you doubt yourself?
Have you ever thought, “I’ll go for that speaking gig / client / collaboration once my brand looks more professional”?
Listen, imposter syndrome is very real (hi, old friend!).
So when your website doesn’t match your expertise, you might find yourself:
→ Waiting to pitch that podcast or speaking opportunity until your site is “ready”
→ Not reaching out to dream clients because you’re embarrassed to send them to your website
→ Keeping your rates the same because you don’t feel quite legit enough to raise them
I think of this as the holding back tax.
Those delays have a real cost in missed opportunities, lower fees, and clients who never hear from you.
What’s Possible
I see how differently my clients feel when their brands finally catch up to their expertise.
On Day 2 of a recent branding sprint, my client spoke at an event. Her new website wasn’t launching until the next day, but she told me she stood taller on that stage just knowing she was about to have a fantastic website at her back.
Just knowing it was coming made her feel different.
That’s what I want for you.
A brand you’re proud to share. A website that backs up your expertise. One less thing standing between you and the opportunities you actually want.
How I Get You There
We start with a 90-minute Branding Roadmap to get clear on who you are, who you’re for, and what makes you the obvious choice for the clients you most want.
From there, I write the copy and design your brand and website so everything reflects who you are now.
Because when imposter syndrome shows up (and it will), at least you won’t be held back by your website.
Goodies Just For You
WHAT I’M THINKING ABOUT: If you finished Furious and want more of star and executive producer Emmy Rossum, check out her interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast. She’s almost as badass off screen as on. They talk about growing up with a single mother, her fight for pay equity, and how sometimes a woman can find her power in being underestimated.
WHAT I’M READING: I know it’s already the end of October, but I’m still struggling to admit summer’s over. How is it already so dark in the morning?! I know — daylight saving time is ending soon, which will help with the mornings, but then it’ll be dark earlier in the evening! We cant’t win. The only silver lining is that this is perfect weather for Alison Roman’s cookbook, Something From Nothing, which is full of cozy recipes for colder, darker days.
WHO I’M ADMIRING: Leia Mitchell is the founder of Mindful Operations, where she helps nonprofits and mission-driven organizations get unstuck. Every engagement starts with an audit, so you know exactly what's working, what's not, and where the real opportunities are before any plan gets built. She doesn’t just fix broken systems. She looks at the humans running them. Because a process only works if the people inside it can actually sustain it. If you and your team are burnt out and your systems keep leaking every time you fix them, she’s the person who can see both problems at once. She’s also a wonderful human who gives very good hugs. Check her out!
