- Are you fat?
- Is your hair thin and limp?
- Do you get travel sick every time you go anywhere?
- Do you look old?
- Do you have saddle bags on your thighs?
- Do you turn bright red whenever you have to say something in a public place?
- Do you have triflaps? (you know, the bags of saggy flesh that hang from your upper arms?)
- Are you downright stupid when it comes to technology?
Hmmm. You know I can’t see you. So whatever your answers to the above questions are, is how you see yourself. And you probably aren’t too pleased that I put you on the spot like that.
Let me ask you these questions again:
- Do you struggle to be your ideal weight?
- Do you feel your hair is unmanageable?
- Do you wish you could travel anywhere without feeling nauseous?
- Are you feeling that you might look older than your age?
- Are you unhappy with where you genetically store fat?
- Is public speaking a huge challenge for you?
- Are you noticing that some areas of your body do not look toned no matter what you do?
- Does your inability to understand technology frustrate you?
Most people will feel better responding to the second set of questions than the first. Most people will hope that the person asking the second set of questions might be able to identify with their personal concern.
Do any of the above issues relate to your niche and the direction of your on-line business? I guarantee that if you ask your ideal client pertinent questions in a manner that suggests you can empathize they will sign on to learn more from you much more quickly.
How do you view yourself? If you are gentle with yourself about your own perceived imperfections, likely you are going to be gentle with your on-line readers. Your ideal client will identify with you and be relieved that you’re “normal” or “just like me”, not a Hollywood version of an on-line guru.
Hollywood versions of on-line gurus are all over the internet. No matter how much they know, it can feel intimidating admitting your struggles and weaknesses in front of them. Why? Because they look like they have never struggled with anything in their life.
My advice to you? Be yourself in your business. Be real and be honest. When people are looking for answers to their pains, they are so relieved to find a leader who has walked in their shoes, felt their struggle, and found a way to resolution.
Be yourself, be real, be honest, and be gentle.
People will love that you are perfectly imperfect!
This is great, Agnes. I, and my unruly hair, thank you!
Being unique and authentic will build that know, like and trust bond with your readers better than any hyped up image. Another great post Agnes.
Not to mention it so hard to keep up pretenses for the long run!
This is an excellent post Agnes and so true to be just yourself. Loved it.
How dare you ask me if I’m fat! Lol
My point exactly, Tami!! how rude of me! Do you struggle to be your ideal weight? Have a great day!! 🙂
Authenticity is my FAVORITE word. I just actually wrote about self-love today, and about people who claim they love themselves all the time (like I used to) are not really telling it like it is. It’s so much better to just be real with ourselves and cut the crap. Anyway. Thanks for the reminder to be real.
Love this post Agnes. Since NO ONE is perfect, people will FEEL the truth in our authentic sharing of not being perfect and THAT will inspire them FAR more than claiming any kind of perfection. Who we naturally are is a lot more inspiring than who we pretend to be.
Hi Agnes, Great post and I have to agree with you, Being yourself and being honest and real is what people love to see. Thanks for sharing 😉
SO true. False evidence appearing real. I know a lot of people are not being honest about their accomplishments.
I dont know how to be not real.
This is a good reflection and great advise for long term success in this area of being an online marketer.
Hi Agnes,
These subtle differences in how we say certain words and interact with our customers, friends and followers can make all the difference.
Something that I guess many people over look.
Beth 🙂
It is so important to be yourself on your website and through your products and services. This is how you attract the right customers. Whenever a business is created, there will always be a similar business there for competition. A customer will be able to compare the businesses and select the one that will give them the best service for their needs. It’s the same reason that McDonald’s and Burger King can both operate. If you ask anyone that has been to both fast food restaurants, they will be able to tell your which one they prefer and why.
Great post Agnes.
Without being yourself – the words you use may push you to the top but they won’t keep you there.
Yes! It is in what the words are.. and how you use them that matters. Sometimes you might upset someone.. but guess what? it gets them talking… if people talk.. the communicate.. and that my friend is KEY.
And there we have it – the reason I hate doing video!
Don’t need to remind myself that I am in fact NOT perfect!!!
I’ve been living under that delusion for years now and it works just fine LOL
At least I don’t get travel sick and i DO love technology!!!
The rest needs to remain a mystery….
Did I just have to much ice cream? LOL Yes, I most certainly did and it feels better already, reading this! 😀
Great post!! It’s much easier to focus on the negatives than the positives!
Anges…this post helped me lift that weight off of my shoulders…and I’m certain it will help so many others too!
thanks so much! :O)
Yay, Mark! and thank you!