Yellow Heart Graffiti print by Nichole Robertson, Little Brown Pen
It’s the month of love and in between the fluffy hearts, chocolate gifts and pretty flowers I want you to consider injecting more of your heart and soul into your business.
When I started my communications agency I looked to my competitors to guide how I should price my services and market myself. I had just been made redundant and lost a baby; my confidence was at an all-time low. I didn’t trust my own judgment so I did what others were doing even though it wasn’t right for me. My business took off but I wasn’t satisfied. My prices were too low for the amount of energy and heart I was putting into it, leaving me resentful instead of how I should have been, full of joy at being able to do what I love.
Finally I realized I needed to take a chance. I took a risk by going against the crowd and started putting more of myself into my business and being proud of my differences. It was the best decision I ever made. My business is thriving and I feel comfortable with how I market myself. I’m charging what I am worth and I’m using a voice that is all mine.
Here are four ways you can put more of your heart into your business:
Be honest- always.
Never ever lie to others or yourself. If you are not happy with something say so, if you have made a mistake put your hands up and admit it. Honesty is always the best policy.
Be authentic.
Who you are is what makes you and your business special. Each and every one of us brings a different truth into this world. Be proud of who you are and stay true to yourself. As Sarah Ban Breathnach said “the authentic self is the soul made visible”. Allowing your soul to shine will help your business stand out from your competitors.
Always use your own voice.
Before when I’d try to write really “clever” posts on marketing and branding I’d attempt to write in what I thought was a professional manner. The problem was that tone didn’t come naturally to me and it didn’t show my personality. As soon as I started writing posts as though I was talking to a dear friend (which of course you all are!), it became easier to distinguish myself from others. Your voice is important, use it.
Be transparent.
Let people see you. The real you. Don’t try to hide the little things that make you, YOU. Putting it all out there is scary but it’s the only way to connect with people on a real and personal level. If you are a closet geek, why hide it? If you secretly hate something that people are calling “the next big thing”- it’s fine! You don’t have to hide who you are to succeed.
Making sure your heart and soul come through in your marketing is the best way for people to understand your business, products and how you are unique from your competitors. Keep this in mind when you write website copy and product descriptions. Instead of trying to be someone you’re not, use your own voice and watch your business shine!
