Connection can be the confidence boost that many of us are looking for.

And yet, so many of us hesitate to put ourselves out there, whether that be attending a network group or more worryingly sharing our services in order to connect with our potential customer, as we are held back by imposter syndrome, perfectionism or the fear of not being ‘good enough.’

Many females are natural problem solvers and multitaskers, yet we can also be our own biggest roadblocks. We overthink, second-guess ourselves, and wait for the ‘perfect’ moment to; share our ideas, reach out to others, or put our businesses and expertise out into the world. But waiting until the ‘stars align’ means we’re doing ourselves – and those we aim to help – a massive disservice.

So, this International Women’s Day, I want to share one real truth to all women: you and the message you have to share is far bigger than you and your ego! Now, I don’t mean for this to sound harsh, but my intention with this bold - yet hopefully motivating - statement is to remind women to stop hiding and start amplifying their voices, messages, and purpose. One of the most inspiring things for me is hearing other women’s stories and so often, their personal experiences lead them to start their own businesses, with many of us being our own ideal clients. As a result, many women embark on passion-driven missions to help others in various ways, and these missions are far more significant than any self-doubt, fear, or personal ego.

I believe that in order to #accelerateaction and progress in our female-led businesses, we must encourage all women to rise above insecurities, hesitation and the fear of judgment. We need to boldly share our truth, our voices, and the reasons behind our work.

I hear you ask ‘but how do we do this?’ – here are five steps to building confidence, connection, and growth in your business

• Connect back to your why: come back to the reason why you started, why it matters, and how it helps people - when we connect back to our why, we shift the focus away from self-doubt and toward impact.
• Remember, no one is perfect: even the big business or big business names have made mistakes! We are only human. And, your business isn’t about how perfect your website looks or whether you sound polished enough on a podcast. It’s about showing up, delivering value and making a difference. The reality is, people don’t care what you look like; they care about how you or your service/product can help them.
• Community is about connection, not comparison: startups and entrepreneurs thrive on connection, not comparison. Instead of falling into the trap of comparison, which often leads to self-doubt and stagnation, building genuine connections and collaborations fosters confidence, learning, and growth. When we work together, we gain new perspectives, share valuable insights, and create opportunities that wouldn’t exist in isolation. As the Founder of Connect Women in Biz, based in West Yorkshire and also online, I am passionate about creating genuine connections in beautifully curated spaces that provide supportive gatherings. Entrepreneurship is not a competition; it’s a journey where support, partnerships and community can accelerate success far more than unhealthy comparisons ever could.
• Take time to prioritise your wellness and wellbeing: entrepreneurship can be lonely, stressful, and overwhelming. Gathering with like-minded women in a safe, supportive space is a game-changer for mental health. My co-working mornings always start with relaxed conversations where we share our pain points and set intentions before diving into work
• Find places where you feel heard and understood: not everyone will ‘get’ your journey, and that’s okay. But finding your tribe isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. Many women in business are craving connection and that feeling of being heard and understood. Surrounding yourself with other women who are walking similar paths provides validation, encouragement and motivation

Women in business have so much to offer, but we often get in our own way. We let fear of judgment, self-doubt, and perfectionism hold us back from sharing our message. The reality? No one is waiting for you to be ‘perfect’ – they just need you to show up and help them.

So, stop waiting. Stop overthinking. Put your message out there, connect to your why, and start making the impact you’re meant to make. The world needs what you have to offer – just as you are, right now.

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