The Power of Silence: Justin Welsh on Building a Business When Nobody’s Watching

In a recent LinkedIn post, Justin Welsh discusses the critical, often unglamorous, period of building a business or audience in silence, arguing that this phase is where true growth and long-term success are forged. He contrasts the ease of performing when receiving external validation with the difficult but essential work done away from the public eye.

Welsh recounts his own early experiences, highlighting the challenges of facing doubt from friends and family, and the disheartening reality of receiving minimal engagement on his content. He writes:

“I wrote for 8 months to crickets. A few likes. No comments. Just me wondering if anyone would ever care.”

This period, he suggests, is a crucial filter for aspiring entrepreneurs and creators.

The Crucible of Silence

According to Justin Welsh, the moments of apparent failure or invisibility are precisely when significant personal and professional development occurs. He identifies this quiet phase as the point where most individuals abandon their pursuits. Welsh’s own journey, which eventually led to an eight-figure business, was characterized by this sustained effort despite a lack of immediate recognition.

He emphasizes that the compound effect, often invisible in its early stages, is the mechanism through which sustained effort in obscurity eventually yields substantial results. Welsh points out the counterintuitive nature of this process: the very conditions that lead others to quit are the ones that lay the foundation for future success.

“The best decision I made? Not stopping when it made no sense to continue.”

Encouragement for the Invisible Creator

Justin Welsh extends a message of encouragement to those currently experiencing this ‘quiet phase.’ He advises them to persevere, drawing a parallel to his own experience where consistent effort eventually led to a breakthrough. Welsh suggests that the world may not yet be aware of the value a creator offers, but that doesn’t diminish its importance.

He further elaborates on the systems and strategies that can prove effective even when external validation is absent. This perspective frames the silent period not as a sign of failure, but as a necessary incubation period.

The Compound Effect in Action

Welsh’s narrative underscores the principle of compound interest, applied to effort and audience building. He notes that the initial lack of traction is a common hurdle, but persistence transforms these seemingly unproductive efforts into a powerful momentum over time.

“If you’re in that quiet phase right now, feeling invisible…keep going.”

To support creators navigating this challenging stage, Welsh mentions his program, The Creator MBA, which he states documents the process of building an audience and business from obscurity to significant scale over several years. He positions it as a resource for understanding the underlying systems that work when external indicators suggest otherwise.