As a small business owner, you know that putting yourself out there can feel scary – risky even! But what if I told you that vulnerability can be one of your greatest assets? In this post, I'll share with you three reasons why vulnerability is so important in business - and how you can start incorporating more of it into your own brand. So, if you're ready to take your business to the next level, keep reading!

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I'm sure you've heard the saying that ' vulnerability is strength '. And, while it's easy to say, it's not always easy to put into practice. Especially when it comes to business. People often think that in order to be successful, they need to put up a facade and act like they have it all together. But the truth is, being vulnerable and admitting your weaknesses can actually be really powerful.

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Here's why:

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1. To relate and connect with your audience

As business owners, we're always trying to put our best foot forward. We want to appear strong and confident, and we're afraid of being seen as weak or vulnerable. At the same time – all we want as humans is to feel understood and connected.

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When we open up and share our vulnerability, we create the opportunity for others to do the same. In this way, we can develop deeper relationships and a stronger sense of connection.

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2. To reframe our weaknesses as strengths

In a culture that values perfection, it can be difficult to embrace our vulnerability. We see our weaknesses as shameful and something to be hidden at all costs. However, what if we took what we perceived as weakness, and celebrated them as our differences? Vulnerability is the quality of being open and exposed. It is the willingness to share our true selves with others, even when we are afraid of being rejected or hurt.

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When we are vulnerable, we allow ourselves to be seen and known. And in doing so, we give others permission to do the same. In a world that is often filled with surface-level relationships, vulnerability can be a radical act of courage. When we are vulnerable, we open up the possibility for real connection. We create space for others to show up for us, just as we show up for them. And in a world that is often filled with darkness and destruction, that connection is more important than ever.

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3. To build relationships and support networks

When we share our stories and our truths with others, it can help them to feel seen and heard. It also helps us to connect with others on a deeper level and to grow in our relationships. By being vulnerable, we open up the possibility for more meaningful connection and support. And that can make all the difference in the world.

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So, how can we actually practice vulnerability in our businesses?

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This is completely up to you, and what feels good/ comfortable/ and fun for you, uniquely!

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Here are some ways that vulnerability might show up for you and your audience:

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- Talking about a time you failed and learned

- Sharing where you started and the path to how you got where you are

- Sharing about your mindset journey

- Sharing the ways in which you care for your mental health

- Leaning into what makes you different as your message

- Sharing things you love outside of business

- Sharing what a day in the life typically looks like for you

- Talk about the reasons why a client might choose to NOT work with you – a great way to showcase your difference and weed out bad fits!

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There are hundreds of ways you can choose to show up in your business as your honest self, and empower others to do so in the process! By allowing ourselves to be human, imperfect, and real, we're able to create meaningful, memorable, and lasting connections with our people, leading to more free flowing sales and marketing, and more revenue as a result.

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Which idea are you trying first to flex your vulnerability muscles with your audience?

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Until next time,

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Chelsea

Principal, Honey & Co.