If you want to be promoted, be authentic. If you want to grow your business, be authentic. If you want to be respected, be authentic. If you want to stand out in business, be authentic.
Authenticity is an attribute that isn’t often mentioned when it comes to professional development, yet it’s a major factor in business success. Why? Because we want to do business with people and companies that are genuine, real, and trustworthy.
Being authentic in business isn’t always as easy as it may seem. I learned just how hard it can be when I started my coaching business.
I began my business being encouraged, excited, and eager to change the world, one client at a time, but business isn’t just about delivering results; I had to bring in clients which meant I had to learn sales and marketing.
As I dove into the sales and marketing mindset, I stopped focusing on changing the world for my clients and started focusing on making money. My underlying motivation changed from getting results for my clients to getting results for myself.
Let me tell you, it’s hard to sell transformation when you’re focused on the selling, not the transformation. Nobody likes to be sold to, and people can tell when you put your interests before theirs.
Oops.
Fortunately I learned this lesson quickly, and was able to readjust my mindset. I reconnected with my big why- why I started this business in the first place. I’m doing this to help women recognize and communicate their value, to stand up and stand out in business.
I had to acknowledge my failure, be honest with myself, and get authentic.
What does it really mean to be authentic in business? This was the question I had to consider.
How to be authentic in business
Examine your motives
What motivates you to take action? What is your desired outcome? What result are you looking to achieve?
Being clear about your motives helps be transparent and clear, and you’ll come off more authentically.
Don’t try to be something you’re not
It’s tempting to agree to any and all inquiries with agreement when you’re trying to build a name for yourself in business, but agreeing to something you can’t deliver is a risky move.
In business it’s not about having all the answers or being an expert in every area. Focus on your strengths, and standout in a few key areas. Saying no when it’s appropriate is authentic!
Be (selectively) vulnerable
None of us are perfect and that’s totally okay! Sometimes it’s even good to let people see our imperfections. People relate to us through our imperfections!
Share your vulnerability from time to time- particularly when you’ve overcome a hardship or challenge. Doing so allows others to relate and connect with us authentically.
Own up to your mistakes
See above re: none of us are perfect. Yep, you’re going to make mistakes. Trying to cover up or ignore your mistakes erodes trust.
When you make a mistake own up to it, learn from it, and move on.
Be open to (most) feedback
Ask for and listen to your customer’s feedback. If you care about your customers, they’re more likely to care about you. Just be mindful of constructive versus destructive feedback- listen to one and not the other!
Authentic businesses build relationships with their customers, and feedback is a great way to build that relationship.
Know your why
Why is what you do important? Why do you do it? Who are you helping? How are you helping them?
Get clear on your why and let it guide you in all your business interactions.
Be of service
Are you focused on what you have to give, or have you fallen into the trap of focusing on what others can give you?
Being of service allows you to reflect and readjust your thoughts, words, and actions in business. It allows you to stay focused on what’s important and why. The easiest and simplest way to be authentic is to ask yourself, “how can I be of service in this situation?”, because, in business, it’s not all about you.
How do you view authenticity in business? What other ways are you authentic in your business interactions? Join the conversation and leave a comment below!
