The Accidental Influencer: Why Your Voice Matters More Than Your Follower Count

I'm apparently a top influencer. Which came as quite a shock to me, considering I haven't had time to nip off to Turkey for the teeth and boobs done.

Last month I found out I'm the top female sales voice in the UK and Ireland, the top software voice across both countries, and fourth in the top 100 influencers overall. 

The Cringe Factor Is Real

Let's be honest: self-promotion feels a bit yuck, doesn't it? There's something deeply uncomfortable about shouting your own achievements from the rooftops. 

I get it. I feel it too. Every time I hit "post" on something that celebrates a win, there's a little voice in my head going "who do you think you are?"

But here's the thing I've learned: that discomfort isn't a reason to stay silent. It's actually a sign that you're probably the right person to be speaking up.

Speak to Who You Once Were

The way I deal with the cringe factor is simple: I don't speak to impress anyone. I speak to the person I once was.

Five years ago, ten years ago, fifteen years ago - that version of me needed to hear certain messages. She needed someone to tell her she wasn't broken when she felt like she was in the wrong environment. She needed someone to say that playing small wasn't serving anyone. She needed permission to use her voice.

So that's who I write for. That's who I make videos for. Not to show off but to share the messages that would have helped her - and might help someone else who's in that same place now.

We Need More Good People with the Microphone

Here's what worries me: whilst we're all staying quiet because we don't want to seem boastful, other people are filling that space. People who might not have the same intentions. People who are happy to shout about themselves without worrying about the cringe factor.

We need more good people willing to step up to the mic. We need more people sharing messages that actually help, not just messages that sell. 

Your Message Matters

You might think you don't have anything important to say. You might think your experience isn't unique enough, your insights aren't groundbreaking enough, your story isn't interesting enough.

You're wrong.

Somewhere out there is someone who needs to hear exactly what you have to say. Someone who's going through what you went through. Someone who needs your particular brand of encouragement, your specific hard-won wisdom, your unique perspective.

Permission to Be Cringe

So here's your official permission slip: be a bit cringe. Share your wins, even if it feels uncomfortable. Talk about what you've learned, even if your voice shakes a bit.

The discomfort you feel about self-promotion? That's probably a sign that you're doing it for the right reasons. The people who never feel that discomfort are often the ones we should worry about.

Step Up to the Mic

The world doesn't need another perfectly polished influencer with professional lighting and a ring light. It needs real people sharing real messages that actually help.

It needs you to speak to the person you once were. It needs your story, your lessons, your particular way of seeing things.

So be brave enough to share it. Even if it's a little bit cringe. Especially if it's a little bit cringe.

Because people need to hear it, and we need more good people with the microphone.

Use your voice!