How We (as Women Founders) Use The DIY Movement To Hold Us Back From Growth
You know that feeling when you dive into a DIY project, convinced you can turn your living room into a Pinterest paradise, only to end up with a half-painted wall and a mysterious pile of screws? As women founders, we often carry the weight of doing it all—taxes, marketing, macrame—while pretending we have it all figured out. But what if we took a step back and embraced our inner beginners? In this post, we’ll explore the quirks of the DIY mindset, uncover common thought traps, and remind ourselves that asking for help is not just okay; it’s the secret ingredient to thriving in our entrepreneurial journeys. So, let’s put down the paintbrush and pick up some collaboration—after all, none of us were meant to tackle it all alone!
Let’s explore how the DIY mindset often leads to subpar results, how to evaluate those results through the eyes of your clients, and why asking for help isn’t just okay—it’s crucial to building confidence with your audience. Because, in business, poor DIY jobs don’t just hang on a wall—they show up in how others trust and engage with you.
Just Because You Can Do It All, Doesn’t Mean You Should
The DIY movement sold us a dream: that we can do everything. Redesign your kitchen, start a business, and make artisanal kombucha from scratch—sure, why not? But here’s where things get sticky: while a botched home project might result in a slightly crooked shelf, a DIY misstep in business can impact your credibility. A subpar website design or a marketing campaign that misses the mark? It doesn’t just sit there. It affects how potential clients see you—and whether they want to work with you.
Yes, there’s something empowering about being able to do things yourself. But when we take the DIY mentality into business, the stakes are higher. While no one might judge you for that wobbly coffee table you built, a confusing website or amateurish branding can make clients question your professionalism and capability. And that’s where the problem lies: when we try to do everything ourselves, we can’t always deliver the polished, confident presentation that our businesses need.
DIY Thought Traps That Keep Us Stuck
Here are three common DIY-inspired thought errors that keep us, as founders, stuck and spinning our wheels:
1. “Anything my business needs will have to be paid for by my business.”
False. Early on, every business requires investment—often from your personal funds. Accepting that your business won’t be able to fund everything right away is key to relieving some of the pressure. Whether it’s outsourcing website design or getting help with social media, using some startup capital can help ensure your business puts its best foot forward from the start. After all, a DIY website that looks “good enough” won’t inspire confidence in your customers, even if it did save you a few bucks upfront.
2. “I should be better at this.”
Many of us feel like we should already be great at everything—whether it’s design, marketing, or sales. But this belief only leads to frustration and self-doubt. The truth is, you’re not supposed to be good at everything right away. Business is about learning, growing, and getting better over time. Rushing through something just to tick it off the list often leads to a less-than-stellar result—and in business, that translates to lost trust or opportunities.
3. “It's embarrassing to admit where I am.”
This thought keeps us in a cycle of pretending we’ve got it all together, which isolates us and stops us from asking for help. Being honest about where you’re at and what you need can actually build trust. Clients respect transparency, and admitting you’re still learning fosters connection. It’s far better to be honest about the help you need than to pretend you’re a pro and deliver a result that misses the mark.
Poor DIY Projects Don’t Just Stay in Your Home—They Affect Your Clients
When we DIY parts of our business that we’re not truly skilled in, it shows. And unlike a home DIY project, where the impact is mostly contained within your four walls, a poorly executed DIY business task affects how clients perceive you. A confusing website, awkward branding, or off-key social media presence can make clients lose confidence—not just in that particular project, but in your entire business.
And here’s the kicker: many of us do this because we believe we’re supposed to be able to do it all. We convince ourselves that outsourcing certain tasks is a luxury we can’t afford, when in reality, not getting the right help is what keeps us from growing. It’s time to drop the “I’ll do it all” mindset and start thinking strategically about where our strengths lie—and where it’s okay (and smart) to lean on others.
Practical Advice: Evaluate Your Work Like a Client Would
Before launching that website, posting that DIY branding, or sending out your own marketing materials, take a step back. Look at your work through the eyes of your client: Is this polished? Does it communicate professionalism? Would I hire someone whose website looks like this? Be brutally honest. If the answer is no, it’s time to consider whether this is a task you should be handling yourself—or whether professional help is needed.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I’ll just make do with what I’ve got,” but remember: clients don’t know your process. They see the final result. If that result feels off, they might lose confidence in your ability to deliver.
If you don’t have the money for it, collaborate or trade.
If you find that your DIY efforts are holding you back, then the next step is to solve for the money. Whether that means working with a coach to figure out a plan for investing in your business, using personal funds, or finding creative ways to access capital, don’t let finances stop you from delivering a professional front. And if you can’t afford to buy professional services right now, get good at trading. I’ve got a free guide on trading services, complete with contracts and conversation guides to make sure it’s a good fit. You don’t have to pay for everything or do everything yourself. A mix of DIY and professional support might be the perfect solution to elevate your business while staying within budget.
Let’s Shift the Narrative
We’ve taken the empowering spirit of DIY and turned it into a pressure cooker of unrealistic expectations. Instead of taking on everything ourselves—often with subpar results—let’s reframe the narrative. It’s okay to recognize where we need help, especially when it comes to presenting our businesses to the world. A crooked shelf in your home? You can live with that. A confusing website or amateur branding? Not so much.
Embrace collaboration. Let experts handle the areas you’re not skilled in, and reclaim the joy that comes from shared efforts. When you hand off certain tasks, you’re not admitting defeat—you’re investing in the long-term success and credibility of your business.
You’re Not Built to Do It All—and That’s Okay
You weren’t built to do everything, and pretending otherwise only holds you back. The truth is, your business—and your clients—will thank you for recognizing where collaboration can elevate your work. So let’s put down the DIY badge of honor and embrace the art of getting the right help, at the right time. It’s time to build a business that shines—not just through your hands, but with the support of others who can help you get there.
And truly? You’re doing just fine.