Building your authentic brand is critical in today’s world. How many people wish to build an authentic brand, but end up trying to keep up with the Joneses? It can be challenging to balance inspiration with comparison, but understanding your authentic self is essential for success.
Building your authentic brand: Stop comparing
Your authenticity and your story are the main aspects that make you stand out in the marketplace. Your audience will notice if you can show up and present yourself authentically. You don’t have to be someone you are not. People like things that are real, but you can’t be real if you’re always trying to be like your competitors.
We struggle with “keeping up with the Joneses” because we compare ourselves with other people or businesses. It’s easy to look at your competitors and set goals for yourself around where these competitors are. But everyone is different and has gone through other things to get where they are today. Your goals should be rooted in your “why,” which will differ from your competitors’ “why.”
You are not authentic if you focus on imitating other people or businesses. However, inspiration can still be taken from others. There is a critical difference between being inspired by others and attempting to be that other person. Many people in business will say, “Don’t reinvent the wheel.” Time is a precious commodity and should not be wasted. If other people in your market have found ways to capitalize on something, take advantage of every resource you can. Remember to be your own self while being inspired by those around you.
Define your “why”
In business, you must first define who you are and your “why.” To maintain your authenticity, you need to create a personal ethos. This will help you create your own identity and remain authentic. Do a session of stream-of-consciousness writing in which you answer the following questions:
- Who are you?
- Who do you aspire to be?
- Write words that define who you are at your core.
A personal ethos is a guidepost that you can carry with you to help you stay true to yourself. You have to make choices in business that may not be fun or feel good. However, if you stick to your ethos, you can evolve and strengthen your personal brand by showcasing your integrity.
Conclusion: Building your authentic brand
- Building your personal brand is critical in today’s world . The best way to build a personal brand is to be authentic and share your story.
- You cannot be authentic by copying other people. You are the only “you.” Therefore, capitalize on it by showcasing yourself, not other people.
- Stick to your personal brand and demonstrate integrity to your audience by using your personal ethos.
