The word “authentic” is bandied around a lot when it comes to marketing for freelancers and small businesses, to the point where – ironically – it no longer represents what it means, but a version of “authenticity” that is expected within the business community. (Similar to how the word “literally” no longer means “literally” in the young person’s everyday lexicon.)
Language changes over time, so this isn’t inherently good or bad, but what it does mean is that your senses need to be fine-tuned to identify true authenticity.
For example, your potential client/partner/supplier may say the right things to you. They may post all the things you want to hear on social media. They may charm and flatter you, and they may present the answers you want to hear.
But – and to me, it’s a very important “but” – how do they treat the people who can do nothing for them? Or even more revealingly – how do they treat the people they see as potential competition?
A good measure of a person’s integrity is how they treat people who can’t help them.
The archetypal example of this is the rich businessman who is charming to his guest, yet rude to the waiter, but there are more subtle variations at different levels.
At networking events, do they greet their competitors with the same respect they show you? Are they as generous with their time to people who are offering a service that they have no desire to use? Do they save their positive language for potential clients only?
One of the benefits of having ADHD is that my mind is always scanning the room, and I’m blessed to be able to tune into incongruencies quickly.
We live in a world where we can create an entirely new identity on social media, and until we meet in person and tune in to these interactions, we have no way of knowing how real the online persona is. This is why in-person networking is so powerful – because we start to build up the know-like-trust factor, which can only come over time.
As a photographer, I can create images showing whichever side of you you wish the public to see. If you want warts-and-all – great, we can do that. If you want you on your best day – excellent, we can do that too. The thing that most matters to me is that the images we create are truly the authentic you.
If I ever found out that images I had created had been used to create content that misleads, I’d be horrified, which is why I like to really get to know my clients beforehand.
Because despite all the photos, gorgeous graphic design work, and neatly-crafted prose, the thing that people will remember the most is whether or not your actions align with your words.
If you are as passionate about this as I am – I would love to work with you. If you feel your current online presentation is misaligned with who you are, get in touch and let’s work together to put it right.
I’m on a mission to bring back true authenticity – who’s with me?
