FEAR and being a business OWNER go hand-in-hand. If you’re not doing something that scares you, you’re not growing your business.

Now, I say that to you as much as I say that to myself. I’ve owned four businesses over the past 25 years. Fear is my friend, but I need to re-evaluate that relationship. It’s not a friend that I want you to have in the front seat of the car, telling you what not to do. No, no, no.

I want FEAR to be the passenger that you have to take with you in the car, but they always sit in the backseat. In a baby carseat. Strapped in tight with a pacifier plugged in their pie hole, and they don’t ever get to take charge of the wheel. FEAR is there for you to face and put it in its place.

My fear shows up daily. I’m afraid to post an Instagram or Facebook live video because I might look stupid, or I’m not 29 with perfect wavy hair down to my ass, or I don’t have the right lighting, … Fear will fill in all the blanks to keep you from doing that video. Look, I know! That’s me, too. So, “Hey, Fear!, Get yo ass in the back seat. You can’t even talk yet you ‘lil binkie-sucking-fear-baby. I’ll show you who is boss of this car!” And drive. What’s the worst thing that can happen? You get butterflies in your tummy and your pits get a little wet. And you grow your business. You reach people. You’re honest, relatable, imperfectly perfect. And you make a true connection.

My challenge to you is to get on Instagram, swipe left and see that camera come up for Stories. Reverse the camera so you see your face and hold down that record button. And talk to me. Just say “hi” and tell me something about you. Because I want to know. Your followers want to chat and get to know the person behind the brand. It’s really just a vehicle to talk one-on-one, just like we’re sitting there having coffee. You can add some stickers or text. Then publish that sucker! See? You did it! Do not wait until you feel perfect ’cause that’s not real. Just say “hey!” like you would if we bumped in to each other at Starbucks.

It really is that easy. Face your fear daily. It’s a practice. And I’m practicing that right along with ya!