“We would never market. Marketing is about pushing people to do things. It’s not authentic, and we always want to be true to ourselves.”
Chris and I agreed to do a webinar for one of our affiliate partners. The quote above reflects the resounding position many of the people on the call clung to deeply.
After we got over the shock-a-roo of feeling ambushed (you invite two marketing people to a call and tell them they promote lies???), we recognized the real issue.
They sincerely wanted to be true to themselves. But which self?
The self who delivers great massage, coaching, dental, financial, software, legal, bridal, weight loss, or business management services?
Or the self who wants their business to support their life?
We all have many selves. When you view authenticity as an unwavering belief, you will struggle to take on new challenges and bigger roles. The truth is we learn—and change—through experience.
And that means trying on new things.
Our friends on the webinar call got stuck. They failed to recognize they were evolving from great subject matter experts into great business leaders.
It’s probably happened to you, too. Certainly, it has to Chris and me.
The solution: try out different leadership styles and behaviors. Experiment with your identity as it allows you to find the right approach for yourself, your business and your customers.
I know that “growing” your authenticity means you might feel like an impostor at times. You’re required to push yourself to see yourself differently and act in new ways. It involves doing things that probably do not come naturally.
Only by stepping outside of your comfort zone to try on new things and “fake it till you make it,” will you grow into your next true self.
Go forth and do great things,
Martha Hanlon and Chris Williams