In business, your authentic self has no rivals.

By Susan Guillory

I made a deliberate effort to make my content marketing company seem larger than it was when I launched it as a solopreneur in 2006. I put on a business appearance that said, “We’re serious about business, and it’s best to hire us.” I used the word “we” on my website instead of “I.” I kept myself at a safe distance, refusing to get personal or reveal too much of my true self.

For 16 years, that plan worked. However, I have removed the masks of being bigger than I used to be, and I will never look back.

If you feel that your small business persona isn’t reflecting who you are, join me in removing the “company” masks and showcasing your true self to customers (while still, y’know, wearing a protective face mask when necessary).

Nobody can advertise as you can.

Part of the reason for my tiny but significant move was that, rather than serving more of the fintech and management consulting clients I had been working with, I felt compelled to share my heart’s contents with a completely new audience: female entrepreneurs like myself. I asked myself whether I’d hire someone who already had my website, and the answer was a resounding no. I needed to be more personal and relevant to attract a new audience.

Greater corporations often acquire B2B services based on knowledge and price; solopreneurs, on the other hand, frequently buy depending on whether or not they like the service provider. I’ve previously hired people because I felt a connection with them. When you’re making these kinds of decisions, intuition plays a bigger role.

So, if I wanted to connect with this new audience, I’d have to open myself and make myself the selling point.

So, how about you? Are you aware that you are the model’s promoting level? Do you hide behind your model and awards, or do you allow your true self to show through?

When it comes to business, being true to who you are is a huge benefit.

I wrote a few months ago on why we all need to be especially real. This increase in the value of authentic I believe, originates from our working from home during the epidemic, and I don’t see it going away very soon.

Isn’t it a little unsettling to remove those masks we’ve been wearing? It was for me once I started writing about how to spiritual approach to business  (a subject, by the best way, that I will be masking extra of sooner or later). Speaking about manifesting and oracle playing cards isn’t something I usually discuss with my clients, but it’s a part of who I am. It’s been terrifying to discuss this, but it’s been fulfilling when business connections come out of the woodwork to reveal their own religious beliefs.

You don’t have to be a crystal aficionado to be truthful with your customers. Perhaps you have a geeky Star Wars obsession that is dying to be shared. Alternatively, an unholy passion for making bitter Belgian brews. There’s no need to keep this aspect of your personality hidden from people; in fact, discussing it might lead to deeper relationships and more business. So go ahead and let those loopy locks fall.

There’s a chance you’ll have to do some extra business.

I’ll even tell you that if you’re more genuine to yourself and let your light shine, you’ll attract more business and customers you like attracts like . It’s a scientific fact, in a way. According to the Law of Attraction,  As a result, if you present yourself as your actual, superior self, you’ll attract more genuine, superior customers. After that, you are running your little company will be pure joy.

You could also be able to get rid of a few of the customers you don’t like dealing with. You could even choose to avoid dealing with people who deplete your energy. That may seem frightening, especially from a financial standpoint, but trust me when I say that new (and better) customers will quickly fill the hole.

Additional content from AllBusiness.com:

There’s just one of you.

I’m not sure when or why we chose to put our individuality on hold and don suits and ties or pantyhose and skirts to work all those years ago. It’s unlikely things will get much better very soon, but entrepreneurs like you and me have a unique opportunity to help change the world around us by starting our own businesses.

You and your consumers are both people, so keep that in mind while you’re making decisions. Don’t just be a bystander. Pose inquiries. What would your customer connections look like if you opened the door inside your thoughts a little more?

I timidly informed a woman I used to work with a few years ago that I wanted to relocate to Italy. She was ecstatic for me, and we’ve been sharing our passion for travel ever since. It has solidified our friendship and our business connection, and she or he is quick to send me new clients.

It’s a smart business to promote your authentic self.

Being honest isn’t a marketing strategy; it’s just being human. What’s left once you peel away the coating of professionalism we’ve all applied to ourselves are the nice things. It’s all about the eccentric characters and interesting activities. And, I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather play with them while running my business.

In regards to the Creator

Susan Guillory is a business writer who uses blogs, online content and ghostwriting to make her clients appear good. Susan’s entire profile and publications may be found on AllBusiness.com.

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This text was initially revealed on AllBusiness.com.