You’ve started your business—congrats! Now it’s time to let the world know what you’re about. But here’s the challenge: how do you sound confident, trustworthy, and professional without slipping into stiff, jargon-filled “corporate speak”?
Let’s find the balance between “I know my stuff” and “I’m a human who loves what I do.” Whether you’re a creative professional, a therapist, or an entrepreneur with a big vision, these tips will help you develop an authoritative voice that commands respect and connection—without feeling fake or salesy.
1. Own Your Expertise—No Apologies
You didn’t start your business by accident. You’ve got skills, experience, and knowledge that can genuinely help people—so why play small? Unfortunately, many of us (especially women and marginalized folks) feel conditioned to downplay our expertise, adding “just” or “I think” to sentences as if we’re apologizing for existing.
Stop shrinking. Start owning. When you talk about your work, be clear and confident. Ditch “I might be able to help you” for “I can help you achieve XYZ.” You don’t need to brag—just speak from a place of grounded confidence. Your expertise deserves to shine.
Pro Tip: Eliminate hedge words like “just,” “maybe,” and “probably” from your vocabulary. They can accidentally make you sound unsure, even when you’re not. Swap them out for clear, direct statements that reflect your knowledge and capabilities.
2. Stay Consistent and Keep It Real
An authoritative voice doesn’t mean you have to sound the same everywhere—it means you show up consistently as you. Whether you’re crafting an email, a social media post, or pitching a client, let your personality shine. Consistency builds trust, and trust builds authority.
Think of your brand voice as your favorite playlist. Sure, you’ll mix things up for different moods (maybe playful online and a touch more professional in client meetings), but the vibe—the essence—should always feel true to you.
Pro Tip: Create a simple “voice guide” for yourself. Write down how you want to sound (e.g., warm, confident, approachable) and how your tone might shift based on context. This makes it easier to stay on-brand without overthinking.
3. Say “No” Like a Pro
Here’s the truth: saying “yes” to every opportunity doesn’t build confidence—it burns you out. Real authority means knowing your boundaries and protecting your energy.
If a project doesn’t align with your values or a client feels like a poor fit, it’s okay to say “no.” In fact, turning down what’s not right for you signals that you trust your expertise and your business to thrive without people-pleasing.
Pro Tip: Practice saying “no” kindly but firmly. For example: “I appreciate the opportunity, but it’s not the right fit for me at this time.” This leaves the door open for future collaboration while reinforcing your boundaries.
4. Share Stories That Show (Not Just Tell)
Humans are wired to connect through stories, so use them to your advantage. Sharing personal or client stories about challenges, growth, or success makes your expertise relatable—and it shows people why they can trust you.
For example, instead of saying, “I help people grow their businesses,” try: “A client of mine was struggling to get noticed online. After we worked together on her messaging, she saw a 200% increase in engagement in just three months.” Stories like these build credibility and connection, effortlessly.
Pro Tip: Make your client the hero of the story, and position yourself as the guide. Think of it like this: they’re Luke Skywalker, and you’re Yoda.
5. Don’t Let Feedback Shake You
Feedback is a valuable tool, but not all feedback deserves a place at your table. Ask for input from people who get your vision and offer constructive criticism, but don’t let internet trolls or overly critical voices mess with your confidence.
At the end of the day, you know your business best. Use feedback to refine your work, not to second-guess your instincts.
Pro Tip: Confidence doesn’t mean being perfect. It means trusting that you can handle mistakes, learn from them, and keep moving forward.
6. Nail Your Elevator Pitch
If someone asks, “What do you do?” you don’t want to ramble—or freeze. A clear, confident elevator pitch is your best friend when it comes to establishing authority. Think of it as the “trailer” for your business: short, exciting, and impactful.
Example: “I help creative entrepreneurs build websites that stand out and connect with their dream clients.” Boom—clear, simple, and confident.
Pro Tip: Keep it conversational. Your elevator pitch should feel natural, like something you’d say to a friend. If it feels stiff, tweak it until it feels more you.
7. Stand by Your Pricing
Ah, pricing—the place where confidence often falters. It’s tempting to offer discounts or freebies to avoid scaring off potential clients, but that’s not the move. Standing firm on your pricing shows that you know your value and believe in the transformation you provide.
If someone questions your rates, frame them in terms of the value you’re offering. For example: “This package will help you grow your business and save hours of time—think of it as an investment in your success.”
Pro Tip: Your ideal clients will pay what you’re worth. If someone isn’t willing to invest, they’re probably not the right fit.
8. Keep Growing, Keep Showing Up
Confidence isn’t a destination—it’s a practice. The more you learn, evolve, and stretch yourself, the more authority you’ll build over time. Stay curious, take courses, collaborate with others, and share what you’re learning.
Here’s the best part: you don’t have to know everything right now. Authority comes from showing up, being real, and trusting yourself to figure things out along the way.
Pro Tip: Share your learning journey with your audience. Saying, “Here’s what I’m exploring right now” doesn’t make you look inexperienced—it makes you relatable and authentic.
Bottom Line: You’ve Got This
Building an authoritative voice and confidence in your business isn’t about sounding perfect—it’s about showing up as the best version of yourself. Own your expertise, share your stories, and trust that your unique voice is exactly what your clients and customers need.
So go ahead—ditch the corporate robot vibes and step into your power. You’ve got this!
