There's a lot of talk these days about being authentic - especially as it relates to your business. The question is what exactly does that mean?
Some business owners have taken this to mean they can say and do whatever they want to because it's just them being authentic. Everyone's talking about it in different ways lately, but it seems everywhere you go, somebody's talking about being authentic.
The dictionary defines authentic as "the quality or condition of being trustworthy or genuine." It also used words like genuine, real, and character.
Being authentic is also about being who you claim to be.
We've all seen examples of public figures, athletes, celebrities and politicians who just weren't who they appeared to be, and somehow, the true person you are always seems to come out.
We all should be authentic - in our business and in our lives in general. It's really just the right thing to do. Do what you say you're going to do. Have character. Be genuine, real and trustworthy. We'd all probably agree with that.
The question becomes in how far do you take this? For example, if you're a t-shirt and jeans kind of person, and let's face it, who isn't more comfortable in that attire, is that what you wear to an important business meeting so you can be authentic and true to yourself? That probably seems like a silly question to even ask, but if you look around you'll see that we're getting more and more casual all the time - many times in the name of being "authentic".
Part of being authentic is respecting others around you and appreciating opportunities that are presented to you. Sometimes, we do things out of respect for other people and not necessarily because it's what we would normally do. Is that compromising your authenticity? Not at all!
Wearing a suit, dressing up a little more than normal, or going out of your way to be respectful has nothing to do with you being real and genuine. It's still you in the suit, you showing character and genuine respect for others - it doesn't get more authentic than that. Being authentic is all about doing the right thing based on the situation you're in. That's real character.
Be authentic with your clients, prospects, staff, friends and family. You owe it to yourself and to them to give them the best you have to offer. And, doing that, while being one hundred percent yourself, and who you are at your core, is the best possible way to give of yourself. They'll love you for it, you'll make a bigger impression, have longer lasting relationships, and in your business, you'll make a lot more money in the long run as well.
Be you, give them the real you. That's what they came for in the first place. They were attracted to do business with you based on something and more than likely, it was something about you.
Be authentic in your marketing, in your business dealings, and in your life and watch your life soar.
Diane Conklin is an internationally known marketing and business strategist. She is also an author, entrepreneur, coach, consultant, event planner, speaker and direct mail expert, who for over 12 years has specialized in showing entrepreneurs and small business owners how to integrate their online and offline marketing strategies, media and methods, to get maximum results from their marketing dollars, through direct mail and other media.
