Dear Neurodivergent Entrepreneur

I want to address the common belief, suggested to most business owners, that posting daily on social media is the sole path to business growth in today's world.

For most people, social media does NOT effectively grow their business or attract new clients.

You may be thinking: Well come on Hannah that’s just not true, I follow people online who are doing well on social media. 

I have two things to say about that.

First off, having a large following doesn't equate to financial success. I personally know entrepreneurial women, some boasting hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok or Instagram, who don't have viable businesses. Without the right carefully curated business strategies in place to turn followers into clients/customers a followers count is worthless.

Secondly, and perhaps more crucially, while you may notice a select few accounts doing well and capturing your attention, consider the millions of other businesses you’ve never heard of—and likely never will. Most businesses fall into this category.

And look, if your business thrives on social media and you genuinely enjoy creating content daily, that's brilliant. However, this isn't the reality for most people.

Social Media For Business Is A Scam

It’s rigged to work against us. It's not your fault that the leads aren't rolling in. Tech platforms are designed to keep you endlessly scrolling, lost among fierce competition unless you're willing to pay to play. But there's a catch: even shelling out for ads doesn’t guarantee success.

I've spent my fair share of time on Instagram, sinking an unthinkable amount of hours (shudder) into creating attractive content, posting it, responding, and incessantly checking for engagement. Did it bring in some business? Yes here and there. But was it enough to justify the years I've dedicated to that platform? Absolutely not. 

And did it contribute to me feeling terrible, insecure, imposter syndrome, overwhelmed, burned out and impact my mental health? Did it prevent me from engaging in life as a mindful human being? Absolutely.

So not only does it *not* bring us the results we want it ALSO makes us feel terrible. 

Why are we still using it? Especially as neurodiverse entrepreneurs.

9 reasons why posting on social media isn’t compatible with a neurodiverse brain.

1. Sensory Overload: Social media platforms are overwhelming with constant notifications, bright visuals, and endless scrolling, which exacerbates sensory overload.

2. Emotional Intensity: The emotional highs and lows from interactions, comparisons, and feedback can lead to heightened anxiety or stress.

3. Time Management Challenges: Social media can be a time-consuming activity that disrupts routines and focus.

4. Authenticity vs. Expectation: The pressure to conform to social norms and create content that fits a certain image clashes with the desire of neurodiverse individuals to express themselves authentically, leading to inner conflict and discomfort.

5. Consistency Pressures: The demand for regular posting and engagement is challenging for anyone who experiences fluctuating energy levels and focus.

6. Impulsivity Risks: Social media encourages instantaneous sharing and reactions, which can be difficult for those with impulsivity tendencies, sometimes leading to posts we may later regret.

7. Task Switching Demands: The need to frequently switch between tasks on social media is disruptive and exhausting.

8. Algorithm Unpredictability: The ever-changing algorithms make it hard to establish predictable routines and understand how our efforts translate into engagement and reach.

9. Misinterpretation of Communication: The lack of tone and context in text-based interactions can lead to misinterpretations, which may be particularly challenging for those who rely on nuanced communication cues.

And If you have ADHD and therefore likely also struggle with Rejection Sensitivity (RSD) there’s more…

4 reasons posting on social media isn’t compatible with RSD.

10. Intense Emotional Reactions: RSD is characterised by extreme emotional responses to perceived rejection or criticism. Social media interactions—likes, comments, or lack thereof—can be misinterpreted as rejection, leading to heightened emotional distress.

11. Comparison Trap: Social media encourages comparing oneself with others, which can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy or rejection for those with RSD who already struggle with feeling intensely judged or unloved.

12. Public Visibility: The public nature of social media amplifies the impact of negative feedback or lack of engagement, making any form of criticism or perceived dismissal feel more public and personal.

13. Overanalysing Interactions: Individuals with RSD often overanalyse social interactions for signs of rejection. This can lead to excessive rumination over comments or lack of responses, increasing anxiety and self-doubt.

When we consider all of this, surely it’s time to reassess how we approach marketing our business?

Fortunately, numerous alternative strategies don't require us to sell our souls, endlessly churn out superficial content, share our personal lives online, or end up with a frazzled nervous system and a constantly wired brain. 

There are other methods which allow you the peace of mind to focus on meaningful growth without the stress of continually planning your next post on the neverending hamster wheel creating content nobody’s going to see.

If you’re sick of using social media and seeking a business approach that suits your neurodiversity explore alternative paths in my upcoming masterclass.

How To Grow Your Business WITHOUT Social Media 

  

 If I’d relied solely upon social media for success in my coaching business I’d have quit years ago because it doesn’t work to bring in consistent income.

I've only posted once on Instagram in the last month, yet my coaching business continues to thrive, with new leads and clients every day. This is because sustainable success comes from utilising alternative growth methods.

Click on the booking page here for more information—including whether this masterclass is right for you and details of the topics we’ll cover.