4 ways to put more heart into your business

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!

25 comments

  5. Andrea B says:

    Thank you so much, Isa. This is just what I needed to hear today. I have to say, you have quickly become a blogging favorite of mine after discovering you just a little while ago.

  8. Isa says:

    Thank you for your comments!

    You can find what works for you by experimenting with what you feel comfortable with. When you find your sweet spot you will know it. People will start responding to you and interacting on a deeper level. You’ll increase customers but also make friends.

    One way to find your voice is to ignore the competition for a while. Just stop looking at what they are doing. Don’t visit their websites, don’t read their tweets or blog posts and instead concentrate on what you can offer the world. There is never one blueprint for success so invent your own!

    @ andrea That is so nice to hear! Thank you 🙂

  9. Megan says:

    This makes perfect sense and has come at a good time for me, I’m trying to “re-jig” my business and have actually been thinking that I’ve been holding back and not showing my true self. I will be bookmaking this post so that I can refer to it. Thank you!

  17. Colleen says:

    This was an important post for me. There are lots of other jewelry designers out there trying to be seen and I keep looking at others success and analyze how I can have that too. So far I’ve decided that I have my own success doing things the way I do them. I don’t have to sell for nothing and I can offer the best product I can give. It makes me happy and I’m going to stick to that path! Thanks so much.

  18. Patrick R. says:

    Thank you, Isa!
    I’m a photographer, and while I love many of the wedding and family photos I got in 2011, I have decided to do just what you are saying and be myself. Be honest with folks, let them decide if they like my style/approach to things, and not try to force myself to be who they want me to be. I think 2012 will be full of great opportunities with this mindset! Thanks again!!

  21. Lucy Thornton says:

    I love this Isa – so true.

    And I love your comment above about ignoring the competition. It frees you from the worries of comparing yourself with others and lets you be yourself – which helps you connect better with others.

    Thanks for your wise and timely words! x

  22. Katrina says:

    Thank you for this, you have reminded me to belive in who I am and want I want to become. Be ones self.

    I am loved for who I am (bad spelling and lack of UNI degree and all that comes between) and people will still full in and out of love with me due to the person I am and want to be.

  24. mariah says:

    Hi Isa! I just wanted to comment and tell you that this article was phenomenal! I struggled with the same thing in the past and still find myself fighting these issues occasionally! It’s tough, but your advice is great and encouraging! Thank you! xo from a fellow Aeolidian! xo

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