Showing Up Authentically: The Power of Connection for Small Business Owners

Showing Up Authentically: The Power Of Connection For Small Business Owners

I recently attended an inspiring Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) bootcamp on the theme of collaboration and connectivity, and I walked away buzzing with ideas—and a little bit of courage! One of my favourite speakers, the amazing Andrea Morrison, spoke about something that really resonated with me: the importance of authenticity.

Andrea reminded us that in order to truly connect with people, we need to show up as our real selves. Wearing a mask, trying to be what we think others want and succumbing to our own negative insecure thoughts around ‘shoulds’, may seem like the “safe” approach—but our instincts (or what she called our sh*t detector) will always notice. When we hide behind a façade, true connection becomes almost impossible, and isolation—and eventually self-doubt—can creep in.

This struck a chord with me, especially in a conversation I had recently with a friend about how women, in particular, often feel they need to shrink to fit. It’s so different for men, who, when faced with negative or transient thoughts, often amplify rather than retreat—they shout louder.

As a Virtual Assistant and I see first hand how small business owners, especially those who are self-employed, can benefit from having someone in their corner to offer small business support and self-employed support. Whether it’s helping you manage tasks, streamline your processes, or simply giving you the confidence to show up authentically, having the right support makes all the difference.

Being authentic doesn’t mean being perfect—it means embracing who you are and showing up fully, with all your quirks, skills, and experience. In the world of small business, connection is everything. And when you lean into your true self, opportunities—and relationships—start to flourish.

If you’re a business owner in Bingley or beyond, looking for support, encouragement, or someone to help you confidently face those moments of doubt, Andiamo is here to help. Let’s work together to show up authentically and make meaningful connections that grow your business.

💡 Remember: Face your fears, embrace your authenticity, and say it with me—Andiamo!