Be Braggadocious

Working in the social media management arena means we talk to a lot of small business owners. From the headlines about day-to-day operations, to small wins and big losses, and to gab sessions about the assholes that seem to permeate every industry under the sun. Unfortunately, our time in the field has led us to notice somewhat of an epidemic among businesses owned by women hailing from the Millennial and Gen X generations: you all have a hard time talking about your businesses to the people around you IRL and potential customers online. 

“Takes one to know one” is certainly true for this call out and it comes from a place of deep love and admiration for all the women out there simply doing it. Why do we struggle so badly with claiming our accomplishments and brandishing our talents? Just what is holding us back from being able to proudly and loudly claim space like the dudes near us seem to do so effortlessly?

If no one told you yet this year, take it from us: YOU ARE TALENTED! And before that little voice in your head starts conjuring examples of people (real or fictional) that might be, in your estimation, more talented than you, STOP! Believe for five minutes today that you are in fact, good at what you do in some capacity. If you catch yourself having negative thoughts about your own work while looking at someone else’s work in a related field, STOP! Repeat this mantra, “They are talented…but I am too.”It isn’t about being the best at every facet, okay? It’s thriving at the management, note taking, creative, customer service or invoicing that makes you a force majeure. 

And to everyone in the digi-sphere combating imposter syndrome on a day-by-day basis, please, for the love of all that is good, brag about something today! It doesn’t have to be something big (although it could be) and it certainly doesn’t have to be to anyone in particular (honestly, your cat counts here). Just let the act, the declaration itself lead you to a turbo-powered understanding of your abilities. You have real powers inside of you, use them, announce them, share them and don’t for one minute think that, “anyone could do this” because they didn’t, they don’t and they are not doing it you-style. 

All the love,

Essence 🤍