In the July Issue:

Video Confidence Cure

We’ve all heard of the "wage gap", that illustrates the gender-based disparity in income across almost every industry. Sometimes it’s apparent early on in someone’s career, and sometimes it doesn’t show up fully until a woman hits the glass ceiling. But, it’s there. And, it’s what inspires a lot of women to become entrepreneurs. 

The "confidence gap", however, is a gender-based disparity in confidence – especially in actions that we think will impact someone’s opinion of us. 

You read that right. You could be fearless, and still cower when doing things that could result in being judged. 

This comes from a lifetime of living in a world built on double standards. A world where women have to prove themselves by doing more and being better. Where they are assessed based on their looks or body type. Where characteristics celebrated in their male counterparts (self-assured, thorough, decisive, leader) are detrimental in women (conceited, picky, bitchy, bossy). 

We didn’t know this when we donned t-shirts, as little girls, that read “Anything Boys Can do Girls Can Do Better”. Or, when we bought into the idea that we needed to look a certain way to be taken seriously. Or, when we began to demur so that we wouldn’t intimidate potential romantic interests. 

 We didn’t know we were buying into and reaffirming a belief system that would steal our confidence. 

But now we know, and it’s time to undo a lifetime of conditioning.

 Here’s how you can get out of the confidence gap:

See the gap - (hopefully, this article has raised your awareness, and you can check this one off)

Realize when the gap is impacting your actions. Ask yourself if your lack of confidence comes from external influences or limiting beliefs. If it does, decide to stop it.

Leap – face your lack of confidence and change your actions. Be fearless.

Repeat - Step 1 through 3 x infinity

 Most importantly, don’t beat yourself up if you struggle. Remember, you are unlearning a lot of ingrained behaviour and that takes time. It may require some conscious mindset work. 

For me to leap and face my fear of getting on camera, I needed a paradigm shift. I had to focus on the content being for someone else, not about me. 

And, I had to accept that even if all of the crazy negative responses I dreamed up actually happened – it would still be worth it, if my videos helped others. 

The antidote for you will be your own. But, if you follow the three-step process – see it, stop it, take action despite it – little by little, you will escape the confidence gap. 

MEET VALERIE MCTAVISH - HELPING FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS GET VIDEO-CONFIDENT

Valerie McTavish helps female entrepreneurs get video-confident so they can increase their reach, authority, and sales. Over the last 30 years, she's won numerous awards for her work as a video, film, and television producer. In 2011, she switched her focus to helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses with digital marketing

Connect with Valerie HERE!