The Not So Secret Benefit of Authenticity in your Brand

"Why the **** would I change who I am for this?"

In today’s day and age, conformity is expected. Standing out can feel like an act of rebellion or even “crazy.” Yet, this is exactly what we must do to succeed, especially in the realms of business and personal branding. Establishing an authentic voice isn’t about being different from the masses; it’s about being true to yourself, your vision, and your goals, then letting that unique personality shine through. However, it’s not always easy to remain true to ourselves when there is constant pressure to stay in line with what is “expected” in our daily lives. Let’s explore why being authentic to your unique voice is non-negotiable and how you can cultivate one that resonates with your audience, saving you time and energy trying to be something else when staying true to yourself is what will provide you the most benefit, both for your well-being and for sales.

Let Your Personality Shine

“In a world where everyone is trying to fit in, make sure to stand out.”

Authenticity starts with letting your true self come through in everything you do. Whether you’re writing a blog post, creating a social media update, or crafting a marketing campaign, your unique personality should be at the forefront. Don’t be afraid to inject some humor, share personal wins and losses, or express your genuine opinions when relevant. Authenticity creates a connection that goes beyond surface-level interactions. When you let your personality shine, you not only stand out, but you also attract like-minded individuals who appreciate your honesty and originality. This authentic voice is your greatest tool in building relationships and establishing true connections with your audience.

Do Not Listen to Everything Everyone Says

“Not everyone is you. Not everyone has the same goals in mind. Feedback is not something you MUST implement; it’s merely a recommendation.”

Feedback can be invaluable, but it’s essential to remember not to take it personally and to not let it define how you operate. Not all advice is good advice, and not every suggestion aligns with your vision. Remember, you know your brand and yourself better than anyone else. While it’s important to listen to your audience and stakeholders, it’s equally crucial to stay true to your own voice and mission. Use feedback as a tool for improvement, but don’t let it dilute your authenticity. Ultimately, your unique perspective is what sets you apart.

One of my favorite pieces of feedback that I got was in a one-on-one with a previous manager of mine. Expressing interest in management, I was informed that I needed to work on my “Executive Presence.” I was always someone who enjoyed bringing humor into the day-to-day, wore clothes that showed off my tattoos, hung around with people in the office that were my age. All things that made me uncut for anything more according to them. I left that meeting with the biggest smile on my face, thinking to myself, “Why the **** would I change who I am for this?”

All the points that were brought up against me were valid, by the way, but to me, that feedback holds a place in my heart because it showed me that I undoubtedly was in the wrong place for what I wanted out of my career and my life. Ultimately, it lit the spark for me to bet on my ideas and my vision that led me to create Tusi, and remains something I look back on fondly because I stayed true to my authentic self.

The Importance of a Unique Voice

Working with a variety of clients now, one piece of feedback I constantly get is that my partners enjoy my sense of humor, personability, and professionalism. They have yet to mention the tattoos, but I think that’s because we both know they are sick. However, staying true to my authentic sense of self and my nature is a key factor in me building relationships with my clients that lead to referrals and repeat clients. This is by far my most important tool.

In today’s saturated market, no matter the industry, differentiation is key. A unique voice helps you stand out in a sea of sameness. It’s not just about being different for the sake of it, but about being memorable and creating a lasting impression. Your voice is a reflection of your brand’s values, culture, and personality. It helps build that necessary trust and loyalty, as people are more likely to engage with brands that they perceive as genuine and relatable. Nowadays, consumers are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of content - a unique voice cuts through that noise and makes a significant impact.

Humanize Yourself

“People resonate with people, not companies or corporations. Humanize yourself.”

At the end of the day, people want to connect with other people, not faceless entities. Humanizing your brand means showing the human side of your business. Share behind-the-scenes content, tell your story, and show vulnerability. When you communicate in a way that’s personable and relatable, you create deeper connections with your audience. Humanizing your brand also involves being responsive and engaging with your audience on a personal level. This builds a community around your brand, fostering loyalty and advocacy.

Establishing an authentic voice is more important than ever in today’s world. It’s about being true to yourself, carefully navigating feedback, creating a unique and memorable presence, and humanizing your interactions. By letting your personality shine and staying true to your vision, you can build a brand that resonates deeply with your audience. So, embrace what makes you YOU, and let that authentic voice be heard. Your business and your customers will thank you.