You’ve heard it a million times: “You have to show up if you want to grow your business.”
But what if showing up online just… freaks you out?
What if every time you try to record a video or post something vulnerable, you hear a voice in your head saying:
“Who am I to talk about this?”
“What if I mess up?”
“What will my friends/in-laws/random followers think?”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Even after years of experience, I still feel that fear sometimes — and so does Shannon Jenkins, speaker, podcast host of Resonate, and my guest in this episode of Fail to Win.
We dive into why visibility can feel terrifying (especially for women), how to move through those fears, and how to use authentic storytelling to build a personal brand that actually connects with your audience — without feeling fake or polished to death.
Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale, this episode will help you show up as your real self and turn your story into a superpower.
Why Showing Up Online Feels So Hard (And What To Do About It)
Most people think the fear that’s holding them back is fear of failure.
But what if the real fear is… fear of success?
We don’t talk about this enough.
Success can feel scary because it means:
- More eyes on you
- More pressure to perform
- More responsibility
- A higher chance of judgment, burnout, or even losing your “freedom”
Sound familiar?
Shannon explains that fear of success is sneaky, and often subconscious. But it can lead to procrastination, perfectionism, and staying stuck in your comfort zone. Even though you say you want to grow.
👉 Instead of waiting for your mindset to change first, take action anyway. Confidence doesn’t come before action; it’s a result of action.
Storytelling Isn’t Just a Marketing Buzzword. It’s the Key to Building Trust
We’re living in a noisy online world. Just posting tips and tricks won’t cut it anymore.
If you want to stand out and connect with your dream clients, you need to tell stories.
But not just any stories; stories that create resonance. Stories that show your audience you’ve been where they are. Stories that position your offer as the bridge between their struggle and their solution.
Here’s what Shannon teaches us:
Repetition builds reputation. The more you repeat your message, the more people remember you for it.
Even if you hate repeating yourself, you need to do it. Great brands are built on clarity and consistency. So yes, you’ll need to keep saying what you stand for. Over and over again.
And that’s not boring. That’s branding.
Shannon’s CART Framework for Storytelling (So You’re Never Stuck Again)
If you’ve ever struggled to come up with how to structure a story, this is going to change your life.
Shannon’s CART framework is easy to remember and super versatile – whether you’re pitching a product, writing a social post, or speaking on a podcast.
C – Context
Who, what, where, when? Set the scene so we can step into your world.
A – Adversity
What was the problem, challenge, or tension?
R – Result
What changed? What transformation happened (or what consequence occurred)?
T – Takeaway
Wrap it up with a powerful lesson your audience can apply to themselves.
Example:
Instead of saying “I hosted a retreat and it went well,” you could say:
“It was 11 PM the night before the retreat. I was crying in the bathroom, overwhelmed, doubting everything. But the next day, I walked on stage and gave everything I had, and the women left transformed. That’s when I realized: it’s not about being ready. It’s about being present.”
This structure works everywhere. And it’s not fake: it’s clarity with heart.
Visibility Block? Start With These Tiny Brave Steps
If you're struggling to post, go live, or share your opinion online, Shannon suggests this approach:
Imagine 3 concentric circles:
1️⃣ Comfort zone (safe but stagnant)
1️⃣ Growth zone (where real change happens)
3️⃣ Panic zone (where your nervous system freaks out)
If you try to do too much too fast — like launching a webinar or sharing your deepest trauma in a post — your nervous system might short-circuit. So instead, ask:
“What’s one small action I can take that pushes me slightly out of comfort, but not into panic?”
Examples:
- Post a behind-the-scenes photo and write 2 honest lines about your day
- Go live for 3 minutes and answer one FAQ
- Share a personal story that relates to the work you do
✨ The goal isn’t to perform. The goal is to connect.
Authenticity + Strategy = Sustainable Success
There’s a lot of “ick” in online marketing right now: over-polished pitches, fake scarcity, and storytelling that feels more manipulative than meaningful.
If you’ve ever felt that discomfort like I have, here’s the good news:
You don’t have to choose between being real and being strategic.
Authentic marketing isn’t about being unfiltered or messy. It’s about letting go of who you think you should be and fully embracing who you are, while using tools that amplify your message.
And when you align with your values, your voice, and your vision?
Your content becomes magnetic.
Create a Story-Driven Presentation That Converts
If this episode inspired you to pitch better, speak more confidently, or finally create that webinar or sales video, Shannon’s got you covered.
She’s giving you access to her free 3-part video course on creating presentations and pitches that resonate and convert, using storytelling and strategy.
👉 Download it here: https://shannonjenkins.co
Ready to Step Into Your Next Level?
Whether you're just starting out or scaling to your next 100K, this episode will give you the mindset, storytelling tools, and encouragement you need to show up like a pro — without selling your soul.
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