Why comparing yourself to other mums with businesses is such a bad idea

I’ve finally done it – I’ve made a proper vlog!

What I mean is that I’ve made a video blog post by putting my face in front of a camera at last. I’ve done slide-show style videos with me talking over the top, but I’ve never spoken directly to the camera before.

And if you’re thinking of doing the same, it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. So go on, give it a go. 🙂

In the video I’ll tell you why comparing yourself to other mums in business is really bad for your confidence.

(And I’ll let you into a little secret about what’s behind my camera, too.)

This is part of the presentation I did at The Big Business Get Ready last week, so I may do another video from the rest of the presentation soon.

Hope you like it!

If you’re into video, you might like to subscribe to my Business Plus Baby YouTube channel here – thanks!

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

15 Replies to “Why comparing yourself to other mums with businesses is such a bad idea”

  1. Great one Helen! Came across really well and what you say makes perfect sense and echoes how I felt starting out with KidsTravel2 and bizarrely even though I have been going for several years am now feeling all over again with my new venture The Happy Skylark. Still think you should have spun your camera round at the end to show us your washing! Out of interest, what did you use to do the filming? Thanks Helen and definately think you should do more of these 🙂

  2. Aw that’s a shame, I just folded it! Maybe next time 🙂

    Thank you, thank you! I have to say I’m feeling pretty nervous putting this video out there. But that’s one of the reasons I’m doing it – there are millions of bloggers out there and not many make videos, so this is one way to stand out. Always best to do what other people aren’t doing, eh?

    The video camera is our family camcorder, which is a JVC Everio (about 3 years old I think?) I put it on a tripod at shoulder height so it was about level with my face. I was surprised how much light I needed – I was right next to French doors on a sunny day and I had a small spotlight coming from above.

    I will do more videos because I feel much better about it all having done this one!

    1. Just a note about the JVC Everio – it creates files in the .MOD format rather than the usual .mp4 etc. I think that explains why the video is slightly squashed horizontally by YouTube. I’m going to try converting it and uploading it again.

  3. Brilliant vlog, I keep meaning to do one though the giggles to get me everytime (my excuse did it work!!!)

    Really great advice, thank you 🙂

    1. Thank you! I think we all have our ‘thing’ that gets in the way of doing videos. Actually, I had quite a few things – the cringe factor of seeing myself on video, my hair going frizzy and sticking out, being worried talking too fast, being boring…I think in the end I just thought ‘what the hell, I’ve got to do it and just get over it’. And it wasn’t so bad really. What’s your YouTube channel? I’ll make sure I follow it 🙂

  4. Brilliant Helen – well done. It’s so lovely to see you in action on video and SUCH good advice. I really want to have a go at doing video. I can write what I think and feel and I can stand up in talk in front of people, but the idea of being on video reminds me of doing plays at school where I was terrified of getting it ‘wrong’. You are just the kick up the backside I need – I shall stop using the technophobe excuse and the ‘I think I might vomit or poo my pants with fear’ excuse and do it.
    Oh god no excuses now I’ve just gone public. Thank you I think….

    1. LOL! I know what you mean, I could write what I wanted to say and I didn’t mind standing up and speaking in front of a group but somehow sticking me in front of a video camera was a huge problem! I used a few tricks I used to help get me over it, maybe I’ll talk about that in my next video… 🙂

      Thank you for the really positive feedback, too!

  5. Your video could have been made for me! I have been running my VA business (Catherine Poole Virtual Assistant) for nearly two years now, but it was a very slow start, and I’m still part time until my daughter starts school next year. I often fall into the trap of comparing myself to other mums in business and panicking, but then I remind myself of exactly what you were saying, that behind the facade, everyone has the same worries, concerns and undone housework. I would love a super duper office, for example, but currently work in the dining room (which isn’t used for eating in very often fortunately!), with all my papers spread around me and my laptop balanced on a very thick recipe book so it’s more at eye level for typing! Will be back to see more of your vlogs soon, I’m sure! 🙂

    1. Thanks for being so honest, Catherine! And I’m glad you liked the video. One of the guest bloggers here at BPB said that being a work at home mum was definitely not for the house-proud and she’s absolutely right!

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