How to Sell Out Your Event Without Focusing on Popularity Metrics

Let me be transparent for a moment: there was a time when I felt powerless simply because I wasn’t “popular.” I didn’t have the biggest following, the largest email list, or the loudest cheerleaders hyping me up. And because I wasn’t receiving that outside validation, I started to question whether my voice mattered at all.

I mean, we’ve all been there, right? You’re doing the work, showing up every day, but it feels like no one is noticing. Maybe your social media posts don’t get the engagement you want, or you’re sitting at an event with a room full of empty chairs. And suddenly, you start comparing yourself to everyone else: the people who have big followings, who seem to be everywhere, and who get all the attention. It’s easy to think that they’ve “made it” and that you’re just…invisible.

But here’s the twist, I kept showing up. Even when only ten people subscribed to my YouTube channel or when seven people would tune in to my live, I chose to act like there were hundreds in the room. Because deep down, I realized something critical: impact isn’t measured by how many people follow you, it’s measured by how deeply you can serve those who do.

That’s where real power lies.

How I Shifted Out of That Powerless Mindset

It wasn’t always easy to let go of the need for external validation. I remember the times when I’d scroll through social media and wonder why my posts weren’t getting the same level of attention as others. But then I had to remind myself: it’s not about who’s paying attention at the moment—it’s about the impact I’m making on the people who do show up. That’s where I focused my energy, and it paid off in ways I didn’t expect.

Here’s how I shifted out of that powerless mindset and began to fully embrace my power:

1. Grounding Myself in Faith

The first step was getting centered in my faith. I had to remember whose I am, not just who I am. When I tapped into that, I realized that my value wasn’t tied to popular opinion or how many followers I had. My worth came from the fact that I’m showing up every day to serve and uplift others.

When you ground yourself in something bigger than numbers, whether it’s your faith, your mission, or your core values, you stop worrying about validation from outside sources. You start believing in your own power, and that’s the first step toward showing up confidently.

2. Showing Up, No Matter the Numbers

Let’s be real, when you’re starting out or when things feel slow, it’s easy to let the numbers get to you. I made a vow to always give 100%, even if ten people were watching my live. Those ten people deserved the same quality and passion I’d give to a packed room.

This is a huge lesson: show up for the people who show up for you, even if it’s just a few. Every person who engages with you is a human being, and they deserve your best effort. When you give your all, regardless of the numbers, you build a reputation for delivering real value.

And those ten people? They remember you, and they’ll tell others. Slowly, the word spreads, and that’s how communities grow—not just in size, but in depth.

3. Becoming the Expert

Instead of focusing on the popularity contest, I decided to focus on mastery. I used the times I felt isolated or overlooked as fuel to refine my frameworks, gain knowledge in my industry, and practice what I preached. I became the expert not by chasing the crowd, but by deeply investing in my own growth.

I’ve learned that expertise doesn’t come from chasing the most likes—it comes from consistently improving, serving others, and staying committed to your vision. The more I honed my craft, the more others began to trust my authority. People recognize real expertise when they see it.

The Power of Authenticity

Authenticity is the new currency. People are beginning to realize that a small, engaged community can be more powerful than a huge, disinterested following. Think about it: how many times have you followed someone because you resonated with their message or how they made you feel?

This is the power of authenticity. It’s about showing up with intention, being real about who you are, and being unapologetically committed to your work. That’s what attracts the right people to you, people who value your authenticity and the unique way you show up.

How This Relates to Your Event Business

If you’re hosting events to grow your business, I want you to take this message to heart: You don’t need to have the largest following or the biggest marketing budget to make an impact. You just need to be genuine about your mission, and consistent in your efforts.

I stand firm in my power by being a resource to event producers. Instead of focusing on being popular, I focus on serving. I provide tools and strategies to help event producers like you fill your events with the right people. If you want to sell out tickets, you don’t need a massive following; you need the right strategy to attract the people who align with your mission.

One resource I’m proud to offer is the Conversion Toolbox. This is the exact framework I use to pack rooms with engaged, high-quality attendees. The Conversion Toolbox is designed to help you attract the right people to your event, so you can create a deep, impactful experience that resonates with your audience, leaving them excited to come back for more.

It’s not about numbers; it’s about impact. If you want to fill your next event, download the Conversion Toolbox today for $27 and step into your power as an event producer who serves with intention and impact.

Here’s My Challenge to You:

Ask yourself how you can show up in your power today, without waiting for someone else’s approval. Maybe you send that follow-up email to a warm lead, host a free mini-session to share your expertise, or record a video that’s been on your mind for weeks. The key is to do it from a place of strength, not desperation.

If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that people are drawn to confidence—real, grounded confidence. You don’t need the biggest stage to make a real difference. All you need is conviction in what you offer and a willingness to show up wholeheartedly.

You have the power. Now go out there and show up for the people who need your expertise, your guidance, and your heart. The numbers will follow when you focus on making an authentic impact.