I don't know what I'm doing

Early in my startup career

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

The loop reinforces itself.

Yes, you can change someone's first impression by doing great work, building your reputation, and providing evidence that you are a capable leader. However, you are working from a deficit if you do not immediately come across as a capable leader.

It is only fair to say that unconscious bias will play a big part in this. We see a tall, good looking white man with a deep voice and a firm handshake and think capable leader. We can't control that. But, my experience is that anyone can actively develop a more powerful presence and that is something we can take control over.

What We Assume About Leaders

Bottom line: Doing great work is very important for building your reputation AND having a strong executive presence sets you up to do your best work.

Try this today: Ask someone you trust, "What three words come to mind when you picture me walking into a room?" This is not about fishing for compliments. It is about hearing the impression people are already forming about you and deciding if it is the impression you want them to keep having. Don't defend. Don't explain. Just listen.

P.S. That intern? Fifteen years later, he is an incredibly successful sales leader and he is legitimately good at it. You cannot coast forever on presence alone, but it can give you a head start that makes success easier.

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