It’s tough to be in business for yourself. Some friends and family will assume you have no safety net - and they might be right. You’re worried first about survival. Growth is your second concern, and if you’re lucky you may have to worry about managing success. And through it all, you will be hearing about how “entrepreneurs” should also be “thought leaders in your industry.” You will hear about how you must build a “brand voice” for your business. You may even spend too much time worrying about “what people think of you,” when you should be spending that time working on your core business.
It is important to establish a clear voice for your business, but it shouldn’t be your priority. What would you rather do - tell people what you do, or show them? If you can demonstrate excellence, then the results achieved will speak for themselves - your “brand voice” will ring through in your accomplishments. You should continually ask yourself what business you are in, and if it isn’t the “thought leader” business, then get back to doing what you are supposed to do. Leadership is demonstrated, and you can rarely tell someone you will lead them and be successful. Leadership is earned, so earn it with actions, not words.