Invisibility is a Liability: Be seen or be forgotten [TMR #061]
Just watched another company implode… :(
Great product. Solid team. Poor leadership.
Being a leader is no longer just about steering the ship. It’s about stepping into the light—being seen, heard, and felt by your team and the public alike.
Nowadays, invisibility is a liability.
And whether you love it or hate it, social media is your megaphone to make that happen.
(Stick to the end for an action plan)
The Importance of Being Seen
Visibility builds trust, and when people see you, hear your voice, and feel your passion, they’re more likely to buy in.
Your team needs to know you’re in the game—you know this. However, it doesn’t stop there.
The public—customers, investors, partners, potential hires—they want to know who’s behind the brand, what you stand for, and where you’re taking things.
With remote work and global markets, you can’t just walk the office floor anymore. You need to find new ways to connect, and that’s where social media comes in.
Social media is not just a tool; it is A STAGE.
Even if you’d rather avoid it, ignoring social media is like ignoring the phone in the ‘90s—it’s there, and it’s ringing.
Remember this: Invisibility is a liability.
The competition that will eventually put you out of business is basically LIVING ON CAMERA. This is the future, and you have to adapt.
Social Media: The Reluctant Leader’s Ally
Look, I get it. Social media can feel like a circus—noise, drama, and endless scrolling.
BUT it’s where the conversation is happening.
Whether you’re on X, LinkedIn, or Instagram, it’s your chance to share your vision, your mission, and your journey. It’s not about posting cat videos; it’s about being authentic, consistent, and engaged.
Take Elon Musk. Love him or hate him, his X posts can move markets and shape perceptions around Tesla and SpaceX.
Leaders like this don’t get there by hiding. They show up, speak up, and let people see who they are.
And yeah, it’s not without risks. Brendan Eich, Mozilla’s co-founder, faced backlash for his views made public through donations, showing visibility can have consequences.
But what’s riskier—stepping up or staying silent?
Trust, loyalty, and a narrative you control are all upsides to being more visible to the public.
If you’re not there, someone else will fill the void—and it might not be pretty.
Tips for Stepping Into the Light
If the idea of being on camera in public scares you, start small. Share articles that align with your values, respond to comments, ask questions.
You don’t HAVE to be amazing on content to be vocal online.
Consistency matters—regular posts, even if they’re not perfect, build familiarity.
And remember: it’s not about being everywhere; it’s about being where your audience is. For business leaders, LinkedIn’s a no-brainer, but don’t sleep on X for real-time impact.
Being visible isn’t just about social media, though. Speeches, interviews, blog posts—they all count. But digital is king.
Your team and customers are scrolling; meet them there.
Why It’s Worth It
Visibility isn’t just about being seen; it’s about being remembered. It attracts top talent—people want to work for leaders they know and respect.
Being visible shapes your company’s narrative, managing reputation in a world where one viral post can make or break you. And it builds a connection that turns customers into fans, employees into advocates.
So, if you’re a leader, it’s time to step out of the shadows. Be visible, be vocal, and be yourself. Your team and your customers are waiting to hear from you.
Your Challenge
This isn’t just a read-and-nod moment. It’s a gut check.
If this article hits home—if you’re ready to own your stage, share it.
Let’s see who’s with you.
Step up—and watch what happens.
Here’s your 30-day visibility plan
Week 1: Text-Only Phase
Post one insight daily before 9am
Respond to 3 comments in your industry
Share one win from your company
Zero excuses. Zero setup needed.
Week 2: Add Pictures
One team photo
One behind-the-scenes shot
One whiteboard or strategy visual
Don't overthink it. Phone camera works fine.
Week 3: Short-Form Video
Record three 60-second thoughts
Film one team meeting highlight
Share one client win (with permission)
Bad video beats no video. Period.
Week 4: Engagement
Go live once
Host one AMA thread
Interview one team member
Build the habit. Build the audience.
Tools You Actually Need:
Your phone
Social media account
15 minutes per day
That's it. Everything else is an excuse.
Content Framework:
Monday: Industry insight
Tuesday: Team spotlight
Wednesday: Client story
Thursday: Leadership lesson
Friday: Weekly win
Remember: You don't need to be Gary V.
You need to be present.
You need to be consistent.
You need to be real