The Quiet Season is So Loud

If you’re an entrepreneur, I’m sure you’ve heard the term “build in public.” If not, a quick Google search reveals that “building in public is the practice of openly sharing the real-time process of developing a product, service, or company. Instead of keeping plans hidden until launch, creators post their milestones, challenges, revenue, and failures on social media platforms.”

There are arguments on both sides as to whether building in public is an effective strategy or it isn’t. In my opinion, it depends on the business and the target audience or customer. Still, I occasionally have moments while I’m building WatchAnnaBelle.tv — a microdrama streaming platform centering Black women’s stories — when I think: “damn, should I be sharing more?”

The quiet season is when you’re building — and doing all the things it takes to bring your vision to life — but you may not be at the point where you’ve started to receive the interest, the accolades, or the “likes” of others. People you know aren’t as excited about the idea as you are. The milestones are not plastered across the internet. The celebrations are likely yours and yours alone.

And lets be honest, while we’re in that quiet season, everybody else’s celebrations seem loud AF. The internet will have you believing you’re slacking even though you’re busting your ass trying to see this thing through.

Ironically, this video on instagram from Natalie Lauren Sims helped solidify this revelation for me and caused me to challenge myself on how I’m viewing my quiet season right now. (Watch below.)

In an era when people say “it didn’t happen if it’s not on social media,” I have to remind myself what matters most. And the question isn’t whether or not to build in public; it’s what feels authentic to me in this season? What’s the intention behind every shared moment? Is it for clout, or is it because it matters to the vision of what I’m building?

I’m sharing this with you in case you find yourself in the midst of a quiet season. Just know that it’s ok. Being quiet is different than hiding, and only you know the truth of what you’re choosing. If you’ve chosen to lean into the quiet season while you build, give yourself the space and grace to do that without self-criticism or comparison.

When it’s time for you to share, you’ll know. And what a celebration it will be.