The obsession with 6 and 7 figure businesses (and how it could be harming yours)

March 8, 2022

Is the current obsession with 6 or 7 figure businesses holding women back in business (rather than empowering them)?

I’ve been thinking about this a LOT recently.

In this short episode of the Courageous Content Podcast – specially recorded for International Women’s Day – I pose some tough questions about the rhetoric that’s become commonplace in the online space.

Find out more in this short episode of the Courageous Content Podcast (which you can also read as a blog post below). Here’s what I’ll cover:

What’s made me question the rhetoric around 6 or 7 figure businesses

Is it right to value earnings over expertise?

Why I’m not that bothered about money (and what does motivate me)

Do you care whether I’m a 6 or 7 figure business owner?

I’ve been thinking about this a LOT recently.

Because part of me feels like it shouldn’t really matter.

Most of my clients aren’t looking to generate those kinds of sales from their content right now.

Nor do they want responsibility that comes with it. Like having a ‘team’ and spending the best part of 10k a month just to run your business (which is typically what it costs to run mine).

What’s made me question the rhetoric around 6 or 7 figure businesses

Another part of me feels that if I want people to invest in my content strategy and training, they need to know my strategies/advice actually work.

Which is why I DO say things like: ‘my content has helped me build a multi six figure online business/ helped me generate more than a million pounds in sales.’

Both of which are true.

But I still feel kind of weird saying it.

I used to think this was down to money ‘hang ups’ (btw…if you’re a coach who is now considering emailing me to offer your services…please don’t!).

But I’m starting to think it’s something else.

Is it right to value earnings over expertise?

Could it be that I want to be valued for my expertise as a content creator and teacher – rather than having loadsa money?

I have a long career in journalism behind me. I’m also a REALLY experienced teacher (and a good one I think). And an experienced online marketer who has launched hundreds of times. I’ve sold digital products, courses, masterminds, events (on and offline)…you name it I’ve sold it – at scale.

I’m conscientious enough to keep developing my expertise. I care about my clients getting results (and I think it shows).

Shouldn’t that be enough?

Why I’m not that bothered about money (and what does motivate me)

As someone who has built a multi six figure business selling digital products, I feel kind of weird saying this.

But I don’t actually care that much about money.

Stability is important to me.

But I don’t aspire to have a swanky house or car. I live in a 3 bedroom semi detached house and often joke that most of the people who work for me have bigger and better houses than me.

I’m not interested in handbags or fancy beach holidays (partly because I hate hot weather).

And the best ‘investment’ I made last year was giving a relative £10k to have an operation – so they didn’t have to spend months in pain.

The Other ‘Money Thing’ I’m proud of is being able to offer flexible contract work to half a dozen or so women (and having done so for some years).

Which doesn’t fit with the female online entrepreneur stereotype…right?

I feel weird saying this out loud because I feel like I’m ‘supposed’ to want something different.

And that perhaps my content expertise somehow holds less weight because I’m not posting pics of me ‘swanking out’ in posh places all the time. Or telling everyone how much money I’m making.

Because it’s just not me.

And lately I’ve been wondering…what would happen if I never mentioned money again?

Which is why – as someone who engages with my content – I want to ask you this question.
Do you REALLY care whether I’m a 6 or 7 figure business owner? Or 8 or 9 (or whatever the latest thing is…)…

Would you still value my expertise in content and online business strategy if you had no idea how much money I was making?

I’d really love to know your thoughts.

If you’re interested in digging deeper into this topic, here’s some recommended reading/listening:

Duped podcast with Dr Michelle Mazur and Maggie Patterson