I've had a hard time figuring out what to say now after my last post, unleashing some (not all mind you!) of the things I might not normally be keen to share to a world full of people with opinions.
I think it's also especially scary to put that stuff out there to potential clients, as I want to be seen as the person who has the answers, not the person who has the problems- right?
But the reality is, we all have problems, struggles, and secrets we'd rather not share with the world at large...
And in sharing some of those with you last week, and reading all of your AMAZING responses that really touched me (and in some cases made me tear up!) And reading all the other AMAZING honest and open posts that everyone contributed, it's becoming clearer and clearer to me that vulnerability can actually be an asset to your business.
When the walls come down, when the curtain is pulled back and you allow people to see you not only as "a brand", but as a real live human person with lots of ups and downs, struggles, and past experiences that have led you to where you are, it creates a deeper connection. A truer connection. A HUMAN connection.
And no matter how well someone may already seem to connect with your brand, your story, what you offer, what you sell- if they can connect to YOU as a person too? The potential for growth in your business becomes exponential.
Because underneath the branding and marketing and pretty pictures, we're all just a person talking to another person, hoping to find a connection with one another.
Allowing yourself to be vulnerable in your business is like opening up an expressway to direct connection with your customers. They feel vulnerable, too. They have their guard up, too. They don't want to buy the wrong thing, make a bad decision, hire the wrong helper-outer.
So, if you can let your guard down to show bits of your true flawed and well-rounded self, your customers/readers/clients just might feel comfortable enough to let their guards down too, and that's where the real communication can begin.
People may admire the perfectly polished professionals who seem to have it all, but they want to talk to, learn from and buy from people who are like them- who understand their needs and struggles inherently.
So where can you be more vulnerable in your business? How can you let people see "behind the curtain" a bit and reveal more? Put yourself "out there" more?
Think about your about page, product descriptions, marketing, blog posts, pitches, social interactions, etc- is there room for more openness and truth in there? I bet so.
Don't be afraid to show it! (I'm working on the same.)
Much mojo to you!
Jena
ps: If you're looking for more clarity, direction and enthusiasm for your indie business, you might like a mojo-session with me! We'll chat one-on-one about the steps you need to take to get your biz where you want it to go. It's fun, fiery and according to my clients, pretty dang helpful!
