Why Putting Yourself Out There Feels So Vulnerable
I’ve been thinking a lot about vulnerability lately. Not the polished, performative kind, but the real version.
For over two years, I’ve been working on my first Mini Masterclasses (to help small wine producers to work more effectively with the media), and pressing “publish” felt far more nerve-wracking than I expected.
From imposter syndrome, confidence and self-belief, navigating new technologies, researching, reaching out to experts in the industry, identifying the opportunities, knowing who my ideal client is, what their pain points are, creating processes, fear of launching, and everything in between….launching anything takes confidence, time and a whole lot of support from your peers.
The Reality of Building Something Behind the Scenes
I’ve been in the hotel and hospitality industry for over two decades, and I’m only now really understanding that (from the outside), launching something new can look confident, decisive, even effortless.
But what about the parts that people don’t see?
- the procrastinating
- the rewriting
- the self-doubt
- The ’is this actually helpful?’ moments
- the ‘will anyone care?’ sleepless nights
- the long pauses while client work, life, and responsibilities take priority
Building something meaningful often happens quietly, in and amongst everything else.
Two Years in the Making: Why Some Projects Take Time
Just over two years ago, I was inspired by friends in the wine industry to create practical, accessible masterclasses for wine businesses, particularly around media, storytelling and PR. With the aim to offer tips and insights to small businesses who may not have the expertise or time to consider how PR could help their business, or the budget to have an in-house PR or external PR agency.
I could see a gap. I could hear the same questions coming up again and again.
But seeing a gap and stepping into it are two very different things.
Some ideas need time, not because they’re unclear, but because they matter.
Imposter Syndrome Doesn’t Disappear (Even with Experience)
Even with decades of experience in journalism, PR, tourism marketing and more recently, the wine world, the dreaded imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear.
It’s not easy “putting yourself out there”. Like many of my industry friends and colleagues, we’ve evolved because the marketing landscape has. Twenty years ago we didn’t need to “show up on social” to drive brand awareness.
What Gave Me the Confidence to Finally Launch
So many wine producers, labels, bars, and small wine businesses are doing extraordinary work, but they can sometimes feel uncertain, intimidated, or overwhelmed when it comes to working with the media.
They don’t lack stories. They lack clarity, confidence, and guidance.
That realisation kept me going when hesitation crept in.
I have the knowledge and experience to help give them the tools to shine. I can relate to their vulnerabilities and self-doubt, and I understand the industry well enough to know that their efforts are never wasted.
All this combined with the amazing support from people around me - from peer and mentors who kept pushing me, to industry experts that have helped me with additional insights and tips for my masterclasses, through to my team of technical, website, and marketing professionals to help bring my vision to reality.
Why I Created These Mini Masterclasses
I wanted to create something that felt supportive, not salesy - practical, not overwhelming, and honest, not intimidating.
Something you could dip into between working the harvest, fulfilling an order, emails, and real life, without feeling like “another admin task” on the list.
Launching Isn’t About Perfection
Launching these masterclasses hasn’t been about selling a product. There have been technical bumps along the way and delays that have been out of my control. And the sub-editor in me is always spotting tweaks to do and updates to make.
The process has been about believing in my thinking, my experience, and my belief that this knowledge should be more accessible.
I’ve also learned that “putting yourself out there” means accepting that not everyone will need it, support it, or respond to it.
And that’s okay.
Because the right people, who see the value it will give them, will.
At times it’s felt uncomfortable, but it’s brought connection, growth, and meaningful conversations.
And for me, that feels very much worth it.
The same goes for you. If you have a product, a brand, or an idea that the wider world should know about. Go for it. If I can do it, so can you.
I’m Bronwen, a freelance wine, food and travel writer, a sub-editor, and a wine tourism marketing consultant. I host wine tasting events and co-edit wine books, alongside running my own wine tourism marketing and PR consultancy. You can usually find me in the UK, Australia or exploring a fabulous wine region. Follow me on Instagram at @screwtopsandcorks.