Troll-Proofing Your Visibility to Stand Out and Stay Resilient Online!

As an entrepreneurial woman, I’ve always had the desire to raise my profile and make a name for myself in my industry. I wanted to be seen as an expert, a thought leader, and be invited to speak on big stages and podcasts.

However, there was something holding me back. I was hesitant to fully embrace my visibility and speak my truth because I feared the potential backlash. The possibility of being controversial, cancelled or facing online trolls seemed overwhelming.

In retrospect, I’ve come to realise that the fear of taking action and putting myself out there was far worse than the actual experience itself. We often get trapped in our own thoughts, worrying about what others will say or think, imagining worst-case scenarios. Instead of trusting in our message and the impact it can have, we allow our fears to hold us back.

But then something clicked within me. I understood that embracing my visibility meant stepping into a place of leadership, love, and the opportunity to empower others. I didn't want to dwell on the negative aspects of my past or use it as a platform to bash certain organisations. Rather, I wanted to share my story as a testament to transformation and empowerment.

Being raised in a Jehovah's Witness household carried both love and trauma. I wanted to share the message that we can overcome difficult circumstances and use them as catalysts for personal growth.

Forgiveness and a genuine desire to help others became the driving force behind sharing my personal journey.

When the time came to tell my story, I was fortunate to have a supportive community around me. I connected with an incredible journalist who understood the purpose behind my story. I made it clear that I didn't want clickbait; instead, I wanted to inspire and uplift others who might still be struggling with their own experiences. I wanted to extend a hand to those who were lost, confused and affected by their time within the Jehovah's Witness organisation.

The article was published in a national newspaper's Sunday supplement, with a readership of over 2 million. I was excited about the exposure and the potential impact it could have on others. The response was truly remarkable. I received invitations to participate in other magazines, podcasts and radio shows that wanted to explore my journey further. I leveraged this opportunity to share my story on social media, within mastermind communities and wherever I could reach those who needed to hear it.

But along with the positive response, there was negativity. Many people who were still part of the organization were unhappy with my decision to speak out. I faced trolls, abusive messages and personal insults flooding my DMs. It was sad to see the lack of love and understanding from those who chose to criticise me from behind the scenes.

Nevertheless, I expected this reaction and understood the complexities surrounding individuals who are still part of the organisation. While I hold no ill will towards them, I also realise that their actions do not align with the message of transformation and empowerment that I embody. Their negativity will not stop my commitment to helping others find their own voices and break free from limitations and fear.

As an entrepreneur, standing out and being visible online is essential. It requires us to embrace both the positive and negative aspects that come our way. It is an ongoing journey of self-discovery, growth, and learning to navigate the challenges that come with having a voice. My experience has taught me that the fear of speaking our truth should never outweigh the potential impact it can have on others.

I encourage all women, regardless of their background or childhood stories, to embrace their visibility and confidently express themselves. Our stories, our wisdom and our knowledge hold immense power to create transformation for ourselves and for others. Let’s not be affected by the opinions of others but instead focus on how our truth can inspire change and empower those who need it most.

Together, we can cultivate a supportive community where all voices are valued, heard, and respected. Let's step into our leadership, embrace our visibility, and create a ripple effect of transformation that extends far beyond what we could have ever imagined.

I go deeper in the video below.

Ready to embrace your visibility? Reach out and let’s talk hello@abigailrebecca.com.