When people imagine successful business owners, they often picture confident networkers — the kind of people who walk into a room, shake hands effortlessly, and start closing deals. But for many entrepreneurs, that couldn’t be further from reality. Being a business owner means learning to overcome anxiety around people in order to grow your business.
Some of the most driven and capable business owners actually struggle with social anxiety — that nervous feeling that shows up every time you have to talk about your business, meet new people, or attend an event.
Eric Huggins, owner of Nights Watch Patrol in Bakersfield, California, knows this struggle all too well. His story of going from a shy, would-be police officer to a successful security company owner offers a real-world example of how to grow a business — even when facing fear and self-doubt.
From Cop Dream to Entrepreneur
Eric didn’t plan on becoming a business owner. His original goal was to become a law enforcement officer. On a friend’s advice, he started working in private security to gain experience and exposure to law enforcement.
His first day on the job, though, didn’t go as expected.
“I went out and bought steel-toed boots, handcuffs, and a big flashlight — I thought I had to look the part,” Eric laughs. “Then my supervisor told me I couldn’t use any of it.”
That experience shattered his expectations but taught him a valuable lesson: things rarely go as planned, and adaptability is key to success.
Building a Business and Facing Fear
Years later, Eric founded Nights Watch Patrol, a private security company serving small businesses throughout Bakersfield.
He wanted to raise the standard of private security — to be part of the solution for local businesses dealing with break-ins, vandalism, and homelessness. But there was one big problem: Eric hated talking to people.
“I’m shy. I get anxious. I even stutter sometimes,” he admits. “But in this business, if I didn’t show up and talk to people, my company wasn’t going to grow.”
That realization was a turning point. Eric learned the only way to build confidence was to show up anyway — even when it was uncomfortable. He learned business growth was directly tied to if he chose to overcome anxiety around people.
Practical Ways to Overcome Anxiety as an Entrepreneur
Eric’s experience highlights what every business owner with social anxiety eventually learns: courage doesn’t mean not feeling afraid — it means taking small, consistent steps forward despite fear.
Here are some of the strategies that helped Eric (and can help you too):
- Remember Who You Represent – You’re not just promoting yourself; you’re representing your brand, your team, and the mission behind your work. Shifting focus away from “me” to “we” takes off some pressure.
- Prep Before You Go – Eric takes time before networking events to get in the right headspace. Having a few talking points ready helps ease nerves.
- Show Up Consistently – Anxiety fades with repetition. The more often you attend mixers, community meetings, or business events, the less intimidating they become.
- Focus on Connection, Not Selling – Approach conversations with curiosity. Ask other business owners about their industries. You’ll naturally find common ground and build relationships.
- Get Off the Computer – Eric often tells other entrepreneurs, “Quit sitting online liking and posting — show up in person.” Real-world interactions build deeper trust and lasting business relationships.
The Payoff of Pushing Past Fear
At one event, Eric almost didn’t go. He told himself he’d leave by 9 p.m. — but he ended up staying until 11.
“I started talking to other business owners, learning about what they do, and they wanted to know about me,” he says. “I realized I’d been missing out by letting fear hold me back.”
That night, he didn’t just network — he made friends and future business connections.
When you start to face social discomfort and choose to overcome anxiety instead of avoiding it, you’ll discover the same thing Eric did: growth happens when you show up.
Keep Going — Even When It’s Hard
Eric often mentors other small business owners who are struggling — not just with anxiety, but with discouragement. His advice?
“Go back and look at what got you started. Remember the excitement you had in the beginning. If your phone isn’t ringing, get out there and make it ring. You can’t grow from behind a screen.”
Every time you push through your comfort zone, you’re building a stronger version of yourself — one that’s more capable of leading, connecting, and inspiring others.
Final Thought
Overcoming anxiety doesn’t happen overnight. It happens through action — showing up again and again, even when your hands shake and your voice trembles.
Because in business, as in life, confidence isn’t the absence of fear — it’s the decision to move forward in spite of it.
Or as Eric puts it:
“When I show up, I always walk away with something — a new lesson, a new friend, or a new opportunity. And every time, I’m glad I didn’t stay home.”
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Reach out to our guest’s website: Nights Watch Patrol