When I first started sharing my business publicly, I was excited but also unexpectedly nervous. I had so many ideas and strategies I wanted to offer, but every time I sat down to post or send an email, I hesitated.
I wondered if people would see me as a “real” expert or just someone playing business online.
It wasn’t that I lacked knowledge or passion. I just felt like I hadn’t earned the right to speak up yet.
I worried that if I showed up too confidently, people would think I was faking it or trying to be someone I wasn’t.
So, I played small. I waited for some invisible milestone—ten years in business, a certain number of clients, the “perfect” testimonial—before I’d let myself really own my expertise.
But as I kept showing up, I started to notice something: I wasn’t alone.
So many women in business—especially those just a few steps in—were holding back, too. Not because they didn’t have value to share, but because they didn’t feel “ready.”
Then one day, someone messaged me and said, “I love how clear and simple you make things. You helped me more in one post than in all the courses I’ve taken.”
That message hit me hard. It made me realize that being an expert isn’t about how long you’ve been at it—it’s about how well you help people right now.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably in that same in-between space—wanting to show up as an expert, but not wanting to fake it.
I see you. And this edition is for you.
TL;DR
You don’t need to wait ten years—or have a roster of clients—to be seen as an expert.
You just need clarity on what you offer, confidence to own your perspective, and consistency in how you show up. When you speak from lived experience, you build trust—without pretending to be further ahead than you are.
What's Worth Your Time Right Now
A few handpicked resources to help you show up with confidence and credibility (without the imposter syndrome):
Deep Dive: You Don’t Need 10 Years To Be Seen as an Expert
Let’s get real: the world doesn’t need more people pretending to have it all figured out.
What it needs is more women who are willing to show up honestly, share what they know, and help others move forward—even if they’re still learning themselves.
Here’s how you can step into your expertise right now, without waiting for some magical“perfect” moment.
1. Share What You Know—Right Now
You don’t need decades of experience to be valuable. What you already know and have figured out is enough.
Think about the lessons you’ve learned through your own journey—those are exactly the insights someone else needs.
- Take a moment to jot down three things you know now that you didn’t a year ago. These are your proof points—real experiences only you can share.
- Share those stories and lessons with your audience. Even if it feels simple to you, it might be a breakthrough for someone else.
- Remember your past self—the version of you from a year or two ago. What advice or encouragement would have made your path easier? When you create content for that “past you,” you’re speaking directly to your ideal audience.
2. Talk Like a Real Person, Not a “Guru”
People don’t connect with perfection—they connect with presence.
They want to hear from someone who’s relatable, clear, and consistent.
- Use your natural voice. Write and speak like you’re chatting with a friend, not delivering a sales pitch.
- Say things like, “Here’s what I’ve seen work,” or “This helped me.” You don’t have to have all the answers—just offer something honest and helpful.
- Don’t shy away from sharing your missteps or moments of doubt. Those stories make you approachable and trustworthy.
3. Own Your Point of View
You don’t have to be the loudest to be respected. What matters is standing for something meaningful.
- Reflect on what you believe about your industry or approach that others might not say out loud. What’s your unique perspective?
- Share why you do things the way you do. What makes your process or approach different?
- Use stories or examples—whether a client win, a lesson learned, or a challenge overcome—to show your perspective in action.
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
Being seen as an expert doesn’t mean pretending you’re further along than you are.
It means showing up with intention, honesty, and a clear perspective.
Here’s a simple next step: pick one insight from above and share it this week—then hit reply and let me know what you chose. I’d love to hear from you!
Maybe it’s a lesson learned, a story from your journey, or your unique take on a topic in your industry.
You don’t have to wait until you feel “ready.”
Momentum starts when you lead with what’s already in your hands.
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Yours truly,
Kristina Portella
Founder of Side Business Momentum
Because once you have momentum, everything changes.
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