Haters, Trolls, and Criticism - How to Handle Visibility in Business
If you’re growing a business, visibility isn’t optional, it’s essential. But stepping into visibility can feel uncomfortable, even scary. Because with more visibility comes more opinions.
Supporters, fans and clients will find you.
But so will critics, trolls and the people who just don’t get it.
The real question isn’t whether criticism will happen. It’s how you respond when it does.
Visibility as a Mirror
One of the most powerful ways to understand visibility is through the concept of the mirror.
When you’re visible, you reflect something back to people. Sometimes that reflection inspires them. Other times, it stirs something unhealed inside of them. Their criticism, dismissal, or judgment isn’t really about you, it’s about what they see in themselves through you.
But here’s the other side of that mirror: If a comment or criticism hits you hard, it’s usually because it touches on your own unhealed wound. That’s why some remarks bounce off effortlessly, while others linger in your mind for days.
Why Criticism Hurts More Than It Should
Our deepest fears of visibility often don’t come from the present moment, they’re rooted in childhood experiences.
Maybe you grew up hearing that successful people were greedy, selfish, or “not like us.”
Maybe approval, love, or attention was conditional, given only when you met expectations.
Maybe you were shamed for expressing pride or punished for “showing off.”
Maybe you were threatened with exclusion or abandonment if you didn’t conform.
These experiences shape the belief that being visible is dangerous, that standing out will lead to rejection, humiliation, or loss of connection. And because connection is a core human need, the fear of losing it drives many people to avoid visibility altogether.
Why Visibility is a Growth Edge
Entrepreneurship has a way of bringing these fears back to the surface, because running a business demands that you show up. You put yourself out there in ways you can’t fully control, and that can trigger old patterns of fear and self-protection.
But here’s the reframe: visibility isn’t just about being seen. It’s an invitation to grow. Each time you’re triggered, you’re given a signpost pointing to the next area of healing and personal evolution.
The Solution - Back Yourself
The way through isn’t about trying to avoid criticism. It’s about building the capacity to stand in your truth, even when opinions come your way.
That means deciding you no longer need permission to:
Behave the way you choose
Believe what you believe
Express yourself fully
When you back yourself, something shifts. You begin to attract the people who resonate with your message. And not only will they support you, they’ll often defend you when criticism arises.
Authentic Visibility Creates Connection
Criticism doesn’t mean you’re failing. More often, it means you’re making an impact.
Authentic visibility has a magnetism to it. It draws in your audience, creates trust and inspires people to act. And while not everyone will like it, the right people will feel seen, supported, and called forward by your presence.
Reflection Questions for Growth
If fear of visibility has been holding you back, try reflecting on these prompts:
Where am I holding back because I’m afraid of judgment or rejection?
What comments or criticisms trigger me most and what are they showing me about what’s ready to heal?
Whose permission have I been unconsciously waiting for to fully show up?
Your message matters. Don’t keep it small just to keep it safe.
I recorded a full episode on the podcast about this topic, you can listen here.
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