175. WE STARTED OUR BUSINESS TO BE OURSELVES

We started our business to be ourselves — so why do so many of us still design the business we think we should have?In this episode of The Business Fondle, Peta unpacks what really happens when entrepreneurs get the freedom to build a business their way, but keep shrinking back into who they think they need to be. Sparked by a client's comment after Peta got called out for "looking too glam" to be doing content, this one covers the real cost of authenticity, why she got dropped from a major brand deal for not being "brand-friendly," and how to know if you're actually ready to deal with the fallout of showing up as your full self.Key Topics Covered:Why building a business "to be yourself" is a decision you remake daily, not a switch you flip onceThe brand deal Peta lost for being "too much" — and why it was the best thing that happened to her businessHow to tell if you're operating from a "should" instead of what you actually wantThe identity upgrade that has to happen before your brand and your real life match upWhy the people who unsubscribe when you're fully yourself matter less than the ones who stayA gut-check question to use anytime you're tempted to hold back or dilute your messageTIMESTAMPS0:00:00 - Intro: The comment that sparked this whole episode0:03:03 - The "brand-friendly" version of Peta from her Pilates studio days0:07:49 - Losing a huge brand deal for not being "brand-friendly" enough0:11:02 - The decision to go all-in on being herself (and why 2017 was the turning point)0:12:37 - The Gary Vee quote that changed everything0:15:22 - Why she'd rather be disliked for being real than loved for a performance0:19:24 - The "sexy identity upgrade" — closing the gap between your brand and your actual life0:21:21 - The gut-check question for when you're tempted to hold back0:27:17 - So, who is the version of you that you want to show up as?LINKS AND WORK WITH ME:Good In Business: https://www.professionalbabe.com/good-in-business/Hot Business Audit: https://hot-business.scoreapp.com/Business Bang: https://www.professionalbabe.com/business-bang/Give Good Email: https://www.professionalbabe.com/give-good-email/Spill your secrets (or ep requests, feedback, or praise to me) by sending me a text 💬Support the showIf you’re craving more, you can find me on Instagram @professionalbabe and make sure to subscribe to my email list which you can find at professionalbabe.com — word on the street is I give good email.