For anyone who has started a new business, you know how difficult it can be to separate yourself from your competitors. Defining what makes you different, special, and unique is key to marketing your business successfully and to finding the perfect clients for you.

So here’s what I’ve found: When you step into your own authentic light, you naturally stand out from the crowd.

You’d think this was a simple thing, yet the truth is that most of us avoid stepping into our authentic power because it’s scary. It may require that we take risks that push us out of our comfort zone. It may require being a bit of a pioneer (blazing a new trail) or expanding your leadership qualities in a more visible way. And, it almost always entails defining yourself more powerfully, and that can cause fear and doubt to pipe up in a chorus of internal-dialogue nay-saying.

Here a few tips for stepping into your authentic power:

1. Start noticing when you get an idea that feels like the “right” step to take. As small business owner or solo-prenuer you can busy yourself endlessly with tasks. Yet, only by applying yourself to “defining” action can you really truly step into your authentic light. First, recognize that this is your time to step into your power. Then determine an action that meaningfully expresses this intention. This may mean finding the outlet that allows your voice to be heard by more people. My friend Debbie Whitlock, who focuses on financial advise for divorced women has just become a host for a weekly radio program. This is a great defining step that empowers her to stand out as a distinct leader in her field of expertise.

   A defining action may mean becoming a public speaker or writing a book. Another brilliant friend, Margit Crane wrote an award-winning book titled: Stop the Struggle! Solutions for Parenting Tweens and Teens, in order to step more squarely into her special expertise as coach.

   Find a way to expand your visibility and authentic message

   I recently created a digital video course called Dream Board Magic! I didn’t hesitate at all to sign up for the studio time. It felt like the natural thing to do. That’s a great feedback mechanism to pay attention to. If it feels right, without a lot of mental conflict, trust that.

   

2. Feel the fear and do it anyway. Fear should only stop you when you’re in actual danger or you know at some level you’re being foolhardy. Otherwise, don’t let fear or obstacles stop you. As the late Randy Pausch so poignantly pointed out in “The Last Lecture,” the brick walls aren’t there to keep you out, they’re there to keep out the people who don’t want their dreams bad enough.

   It’s natural to feel fear because you DO want it so much and you’re afraid you won’t get it. That’s scary, but it doesn’t have to limit you. Remind yourself that any action you take will empower you to get closer to your goal no matter how scary it is. Celebrate the strides you make, because it takes courage and you are amazing for braving it.

   Believe that you’ll be lighter and shine more brightly than ever before

   Each step you take to own your unique gifts and abilities will help to drop away some of that heavy feeling of being “less than” (Less than brave, Less than smart enough, Less than the kind of person who gets to be successful. Less than your competitors, and so forth). Before you know it you’ll be feel freer to BE than you imagined possible.

3. Listen to your intuition. Your intuition knows the right step to take that will get you the farthest the fastest. Start a daily journal in which you ask yourself, “What should I do today?” Just start writing and see what comes through for you.

   Start creating weekly intuitive dream boards. Two or three pictures can show you your best focus for the week, such as this board that inspired me to remember that transformation can be easy! I repeat that empowering positive thought each time I glance at it.

When you are marketing your business, step squarely into your own authentic power and light. When you do, you’ll begin to see more opportunities for expanding your sphere of influence, for getting your unique business message out, and for attracting the clients of your dreams.

Melissa Wadsworth is a personal potential coach, inspirational speaker and intuitive dream board expert.