How Much Is Too Much Vulnerability in Business?

There are currently millions of online businesses and most of us are attracted to those that are real.  Raw. Genuine. I've seen business owners bare it all and I've seen others keep the majority of their life and personality completely separate from their business.

If you are building your own personal brand you may be questioning "how much is too much when it comes to vulnerability in my business?"

There really is no solid universal line for this - no "right" or "wrong."   What's important is finding out what level of vulnerability feels good to you.  No matter where you're at on the spectrum there will be people that resonate with you.

The standard rule of thumb I learned early on is to only share your struggles or challenges after you've gotten through them and can share how you did it.

Now for the most part that's a good rule of thumb, except for what I mentioned at the very beginning.  Not only are people looking for someone that can help them get a result but many of them also want to know that the person they are working with is a real live person - they want vulnerability and rawness.

So here is a new version of how to share vulnerability in your business without losing credibility OR connection.  To which extent you use this is totally up to what feels good and authentic to you.

Whatever and whenever you share - include a lesson, an introspective thought or question or end it on an inspiring note.

vulnerability quote

Vulnerability is important because it promotes connection, relatability and even hope.  It lets others know they aren't alone in experiencing whatever thing it is they are experiencing.

When everyone tries to put on this perfect front it can be isolating - to both the person who's pretending and to the person that is observing.

As a leader it's really up to you to show up how you want to show up, as well as to inspire that connection, relatability and hope within your community.  A big part is knowing who you are (are you a person who's typically very open or more private?), who your ideal clients are and what they want and like.  Combine those to find that feel good spot of leadership and vulnerability for you.

And, as always, know that things can change - you can change.  Honor that along your journey.

An example of potentially inspiring vulnerability:

"I realized today I had put a little too much on my plate all at once.  I'm actually feeling a little strained and overwhelmed.  My first reaction was to think "you're teaching people how to get out of overwhelm and now you're overwhelmed - way to go fraudy pants!" Why am I sharing this?  Because I know that whatever you are teaching/helping others with that at some point you'll feel the same way and I want you to know that I'm not perfect and neither is anyone else.  So you can let it go.

I'm off to go freak out for 10 minutes then I'm going to have an extra long shower and stop thinking about it and just start taking action in the most joyful way possible... I think I'll put on some of my favorite music!"

An example of potentially uninspiring vulnerability:

"I'm so overwhelmed and stressed, there is no way I can get all this done.  I give up."

An even more common situation, that I imagine most of us are guilty of (myself included), is pretending like everything is perfect.

Each person really does have their own level of comfort with sharing.  In general being vulnerable is going to stretch you.  I've found that the more stretched/nervous I feel about sharing something the more impact it has.

Share your truth and you can't get it wrong.

What's your opinion of TOO much vulnerability in business?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.