Building Authority from the Sidelines

SOLO is your weekly design and visibility lab — part of the Solo Business School, and dedicated to helping solopreneurs stand out with smart systems, sharp visuals, and AI that unlocks your edge.

Each week, you get fresh ideas to help you stay small and play big.

Building Authority from the Sidelines

Hey, Reader —

Are you visual thinker, and maybe a bit introverted? Today’s issue is for you.

Years ago, during a Fortune 500 client meeting, I watched a talented colleague struggle to promote her work. Her ideas and achievements were impressive, but talking about herself? Pure torture.

Later, something fascinating happened. During an informal dinner with the client, as she shared how she'd helped another client succeed, her energy shifted. Her eyes lit up. Her hands flew as she sketched the transformation. The potential client leaned in, captivated.

That moment revealed a powerful truth. When she stopped trying to sell herself and focused on documenting others’ successes, her natural talents shone through. The visual storytelling that came naturally to her did more for her authority than any rehearsed pitch.

The lesson? You don't need to share your own story to build authority.

The visual thinker’s edge

Visual thinkers have an advantage in today’s noisy market. We spot connections, transformations, and success patterns that others miss.

Creating simple sketches, diagrams, and visuals lets you share complex ideas in ways words can't.

And it works. Visual stories build trust and recognition faster than traditional marketing. Why? Because you’re showing, not telling — and that's how your brain naturally works.

Your visual thinking isn’t just a way of understanding the world. It's a spotlight. When you illuminate meaningful patterns in others' work, you reveal insights that matter.

Best of all? It feels natural, not pushy.

Shine your visual spotlight

When you create sketch notes, frameworks, or visual summaries of others’ ideas, you’re doing more than taking notes. You're creating valuable content that:

Makes complex ideas accessible and engaging
Highlights overlooked patterns and connections
Reveals insights through your unique analytical lens
Demonstrates your expertise through thoughtful curation
Builds authority through your valuable perspective

This natural way of working becomes your signature strength. It’s can be far more powerful than any self-promotion.

This week’s build: Visual spotlight story

Ready to turn your observation into impact? Let’s put your natural way of seeing to work with these four steps.

1️⃣ Choose someone inspiring.
Pick someone in your network whose work inspires you, like a client, colleague, or mentor.

2️⃣ Spot the pattern.
What transformation or insight do you see in their work that others might miss? What makes their approach unique?

3️⃣ Capture it visually.
Create a simple visual showing their impact. Don't worry about artistic perfection, focus on clarity. It might be a before/after sketch, simple framework, or pattern map showing their unique approach.

4️⃣ Share with intent.
Share your visual insight, tagging and explaining the importance of their work. Your unique perspective is valuable.

This week’s SOLO Insight:

Spotlight others to stand out.

When your insights and analysis shine light on others, you build authority from the sidelines.

Fresh Finds for Creative Minds

Here are three gems this week from around the Web for visual thinkers and solopreneurs:

🧠 Design Thinking for Innovation
Learn the essentials of design thinking from one of the field’s leading voices. In this free Coursera course, UVA professor Jeanne Liedtka guides you through 5 short modules that show how to turn insights into ideas, and ideas into action. Self-paced, about 6 hours total. Jump in and get inspired!

⚖️ An Emoji Can Cost You $60K
A recent 99% Invisible podcast episode explores how a farmer's casual 👍 emoji led to a $60,000 contract dispute. The fascinating legal case highlights a crucial lesson for modern business owners — that our everyday digital communications carry real legal weight. Listen to learn how courts are adapting to interpret emoji intent, and what it means for your business messages.

🔥The Psychology Behind Button Colors
Kit's latest deep dive reveals how CTA button colors influence conversion rates. From Netflix’s attention-grabbing red to Chamberlain Coffee’s sophisticated black, their guide explores 18 real-world examples of color psychology in action. If you’re tired of mediocre click rates, this analysis will help you choose buttons that actually convert.

⭐️ Have an item I should share in this section?
Don’t keep it a secret. Email me with your find!

News about programs and resources at the Solo Business School

🔵 Content Velocity registration ends Wednesday at midnight CT!
Solopreneurs from around the world are joining me for Content Velocity, my 3-day online sprint that helps you create smarter, sharper content, with AI as your assistant. Invest 7 hours over a weekend to save at least 10 hours each week — and say goodbye to blank-page panic forever. Join us!

🔵 Map out your solo business, clearly and quickly
The Solo Business Canvas is a free tool to help you see the big picture of your one-person business. With a short tutorial to guide you, you’ll move your ideas out of your head and onto the page. Chart your roadmap so you can focus, take action, and move forward with clarity.

🔵 Coworking for women solopreneurs, every Tuesday
Join us for a free, focused hour of coworking with other women building solo businesses. It’s a welcoming, low-pressure space to get things done, together. No prep, no pressure — just show up (via Zoom) and work alongside others on the solo path. Zip me an email to get details on how to join us.