The Do's & Don't's of showing up authentically in your business.
AUTHENTICITY
Now that is a word that is thrown around a lot. Authenticity. How many times do you hear that used around in the world of entrepreneurship or business?
You need to be authentic.
You need be your true self.
And bet you thinking ok great... but HOW?
Now obviously you need to be you and the chances are you have created your business around something you are passionate about so that bit is easy. There are however a few guidelines on how you should be showing off your best self.
Do create content about things that you love outside of your business. For example, I do post about my dog and horses. I also post about holidays, days out, plants and I also talk about things that are important to me. The content possibilities are endless and because my ideal client is very similar to me most aspects of my life are on brand.
Don't use your platforms to moan. You know those posts either bitching about someone else or people constantly airing their dirty laundry. They do not come under being authentic in your business. Now I am not saying don't reach out for help if you are emotionally or mentally unwell but there are other places to do that that won't cause damage to your business further down the line.
Posting in anger as well, we all have bad days and the chances are your angry reaction won't be how you feel in a short time after whatever has triggered it and you will regret taking that out on your platforms.
Do make yourself vulnerable. Eh? I hear you say! Didn't I just say not to be negative? Yes but this is different. After you have had an experience whether that's something in your business or personal life that has affected you or caused change you might find in reflection that there is a lesson or emotional process that may connect you deeper with your audience or give them something of value. What's important is not to start posting about it in the height of turmoil as that's not actually your authentic self at that point in time.
Don't try to be someone your not. Yep, your thinking that's obvious. However, it's not so black and white as that. The world around us conditions us for perfection which is not only exhausting to maintain but also can create disappointment for your audience down the line.
Think of it like online dating. I am sure most of us have had the experience of getting to know someone online where they present one version of themselves and then being disappointed when we meet them in person and they are NOTHING like we were led to believe. Think of your clients as being in that position, they get to know, like and trust you enough to become a client you don't want to fall short of what they expect because you presented an untrue version of yourself while you courted them online.
Do show yourself! Urgh but I hate my face. I hear that all the time and I have this struggle as well! Other people won't see your flaws the way you do. We all have our hang-ups but that should not stop you from being seen by your audience.
The more they see of you the more they will trust you. You can go live, do Instagram stories or even (cough cough) invest in branding images so you have a stock of on brand and beautiful photos to use.
Don't worry about fucking up. It's inevitable we have all had a fuck up on the internet. Just the other week I did the worst facebook live ever. It was so boring and the Ummms were out in force. It was cringy and I was so embarrassed. Was there a backlash? Did the social media world come out with pitchforks and chase me away. Nope. Nothing happened. You only get better with practise so make sure you do! And don't be afraid to say 'hey I am totally outside of my comfort zone here but I really want to connect and I feel this may be a good way to do it' people appreciate honesty.
HELLO!
My name is Ami and I am primarily a photographer based in London who specialises in personal brand and commercial imagery for women in business.
I offer a range of service from full branding to mini headshot sessions that I hold 4 times a year. I really believe that the best way to connect with your clients is on an emotional and personal level that be done through beautiful imagery.
I will also be offering empowering boudoir for women who want to be brave and show a side of themselves they have never let out before later in 2018.
I am also a wedding photographer at Rubie Love Photography so emotion and authenticity is something I am not only an expert in but I also thrive on.
If you want to know more about how I can help you just click on the button.