CEO of Bella Web Design, Inc. Featured on USAToday, NBC Nightly News. Specialist in online marketing, marketing automation, CRM, social media and ecommerce. Infusionsoft Certified Partner (ICP). One of the highest reviewed web experts on Clarity.
I've been in business for 20 years. I use a pre-paid service. I thought my husband was crazy for signing us up years ago but its been the best money I've ever spent. I once paid a lawyer $1500 to do my contracts which was ridiculous. These people charge about $39 per month and you have unlimited access to their business lawyers. Shannon has personally helped me collect money from clients, create contracts and agreements and also helped me navigate my husbands will after his death. I didn't have to go to probate because of her. She also helped me transfer the company into my full ownership. For more info go to www.desireecolonna.com. I wouldn't hire anyone else.
I hate to break it to you but you ARE your brand, especially in this day and age. Go join Toastmasters and get out of your protective shell. Take pride in what you do and see it as a calling. Once you get over yourself, there's no turning back. We're all human and no one is perfect. Stop putting pressure on yourself to be perfect and you'll do just fine in front of an audience.
Guts and a sense of humor. Both of those have seen me through 15 years of being an entrepreneur. You have to have the guts to ask for the sale and a sense of humor when things get hairy. Good luck to you!
Brian Solis book What's the Future of Business? is a good starter.