First let me explain what I mean about getting your authentic business groove on. Your authentic groove is just being who you were meant to be, in life and in business. What sparked this article you asked? You didn’t?
Well I’m going to tell you anyway…
As an entrepreneur I’m constantly studying other successful entrepreneurs…. in my genes I guess.
- What makes them tick?
- What business models are they using?
- What ideologies are they expressing?
- Who are they appealing to?
There are almost always a few consistencies:
- They don’t market to the masses. Yeah, I know it’s tempting… been there, done that. They market to who they know will truly appreciate and “get” their message – their ideal client. Their message doesn’t fall on deaf ears because of this. Don’t know who your ideal client is? Hmm… better get to it!
- They express themselves as who they truly are. There are no facades or pretenses; it’s just them being true to who they are. We’ve seen this over and over. Look at Marie Forleo, Brankica Underwood, Lisa Sasevich, John Falchetto , Dino Dogan, Naomi Duford, Scott Stratten, to name just a few.
- They speak who they are and if you get them, great. If you don’t, that’s OK too. They are not trying to speak to EVERYONE or sell to EVERYONE, just to their true loyal fans.
- Their message is authentic and it’s not masked by jargon or what they ‘think’ other people want to hear. They just have something to say or share and they put it out their … their way.
Assignment:
- I want you to get crystal clear on who your ideal client is. Who they are, what they do, what they like, what are their issues, etc. If you’re having trouble, maybe I can help you out on getting clear on your ideal client.
- I want you to go on a bit of a discovery. This is going to entail you being willing and open to looking at who you are “being” in your business. Is who you are being an expression of YOU? Here’s a tip on this discovery exercise. Think back to a time where you felt the most free, expressive and yourself. A good place to start is who you are and how you are being when you are amongst your closest friends, as they tend to bring out your true authentic self.
- Develop a plan on how you are going to express your authentic self in your business and to your ideal client. It doesn’t have to be a ten page report; one page or even one paragraph, if it’s crystal clear, will do the trick.
Now go and be who you were meant to be and work your business with ease, fun and full self-expression.
How do you plan to get your groove on in having an authentic business? Please share below!
Well, I need to make sure it will actually run on the long run and it will turn out profit. I find it useless having an authentic business if people won’t be interested. Making them interested is a hole other story…
Well, I need to make sure it will actually run on the long run and it will turn out profit. I find it useless having an authentic business if people won’t be interested. Making them interested is a hole other story.
At the end of the day, you’re right Cristian. If your business does not turn a profit, than it’s not a business but rather a hobby. But here’s the caveat… Do you expect to have a profitable business if you’re not being authentic? I’m sure you can sprout some examples of businesses that are, but most businesses (and individuals) that are truly successful from what I’ve seen have been true to themselves and their message.
But you sure put up a good argument. A debate definitely worth having.
I totally agree with this post. I’ve been in my business for around 7 years and I believe that my being authentic and passionate has led my business to where it is today. I believe that my business is the living proof of how authentic business can lead us to success.
You’re prime example John. I can’t believe I forgot to list you here!!
Here’s the funny thing… it’s not something that’s taught. It’s something that just is.
If you’re not being yourself, then you’re being a second rate copy of someone else….at least I think thats the way the saying goes.
From my experience, your “ideal” client is much easier to find, when you know who you are & what you can offer, there is a natural attraction that comes into play.
I agree Jackie… it starts with you. Being true to yourself, your message and your commitment will attract others who are in line with that. I see it all the time. Funny, when you sit back and truly observe successful people and those that follow them, you’ll see there are almost always so many similarities between them.
Thanks for the shout Michele and you put me in seriously awesome company, Brankica, Marie Forleo, Dino? I am seriously humbled.
Being clear on who we speak to is crucial, I have recently spent a bit more time on narrowing my focus and it has done a lot to help me with my business goals
Enjoy your Sunday Michele !
You’re very welcome and it’s very much deserved John!
And your focus definitely shows by the way. You are true magnet for the Expat!
Your ideal client is your focus, but what if your service is applicable to everyone? Then what? Like utilities or a trades person. What is the formula for a focus to be successful?
Great question! I don’t profess to be “business expert”, but I’ve run enough businesses (those of others and my own) to know that every business has an “ideal” client.
Take utilities for example. I would take a guess that even oil companies for example have an ideal client. Sure they service all types of people, but who are their best customers? Who brings in most of their revenue? Is it home owners? Small businesses? Landlords of rental properties?
By being clear on their ideal client they can market accordingly. Of course, they may have several different profiles of an ideal client; they may have one on the individual and corporate level. But how they market to say someone like myself, a homeowner, would be different than someone who rents an apartment, don’t you think?
It would be in their best interest to focus their time, energy and marketing dollars on those who bring in the most return for them. And of course, this does not have to exclude everyone else; they can benefit from these services as well just by default.
Just my two cents.
Good piece of information and people should stay what actually they are and enjoy their life with some hard work.