Can I Reveal My True Self As A Business Owner?

I’ve had more than a few folks tell me that they can’t possibly show their “real” personalities to their business clients. They would not be taken seriously unless they presented a watered-down version of themselves.

Do you think that, too?

I wonder where these notions originated. Back at the beginning of work time thousands of years ago? It means you have to juggle several masks – work, play, in-between, and remember which one to put in the morning, which one to put on at night, which one to wear networking.

It’s interesting that we feel that our dull, sterile personalities would come across as a condition to be taken seriously — whatever that means. I wonder if some people believe that because then they don’t have to take the risk to reveal themselves.

How about you? Do you only work with business owners with sterile personalities? I prefer to work with folks who show me who they are because who they are is always more alive and vibrant than who they might pretend to be.

Here’s an example. About 9 years ago, I had an ongoing burning feeling in my hands and toes so my doctor sent me to a specialist. He greeted me in regular clothes – no white jacket. He told up front that he liked to do a lot of different things, working part-time as a doctor and part-time as a computer programmer! I loved him from the start. We laughed during the exam, even.

He listened intently to what my symptoms and their onset, had a hunch, ran over the computer, typed in something and announced I had sports-related hyperventilation syndrome. The cure? Excercise more. I did and after a few months the burning stopped. Others folks kept insisting I had some kind of neck disc problem. Was he himself? Oh, yeah. Did I take him seriously? Oh, yeah. In fact, because he showed me his genuine side, I raved about him to others.

Why would I want to hire a fake version of someone? So, I’d hire a fake but not a real person? What would that say about me?

I look for the real deal. I go to great lengths to find other awake-running folks to hire or collaborate with. The only way we can stop business folks from feeling they have to be phony is to stop feeling phony ourselves.

Wouldn’t a vibrant person attract clients like a magnet? Despite what you might think, they do. I’ve seen folks without much experience but with a giant, enthusiastic personality do really well. Conversely, I’ve seen folks with experience but wet sock personalities get nowhere.  I got my biggest client by filling UP THE ROOM with my personality! It was one of the first times I let loose at a “get-acquainted” call and it really paid off. I was up against some much bigger firms. Being genuine paid off for me.

Business owners need to be bolder and braver! If you don’t believe me, try a little experiment. Next time you meet with a potential client try being your vibrant self. See what happens.

What have been your experiences with showing your trust self? Good, no-so-good? Please join us below … Thanks G.

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