The Power of Realness: Transform Your Business by Being Yourself

Hey there, fellow business owners!

Let's chat about something that's been on my mind lately: the power of getting personal with your audience. Now, I'm not talking about spilling your deepest, darkest secrets or sparking political debates—I'm talking about letting people see the human behind the business.

Example of a post I shared to Instagram - I was honest with what had been going on in my life and it really resonated with my audience.

Table of Contents

The Human Touch in Business

Here's the thing: people want to buy from people. Your business isn’t just a set of products or services—it’s an extension of you — well, most of the business owners I know feel this way! Most of us pour our hearts and souls into our work, so why not share a bit of that passion with the world? When you let your audience see the real you, you’re not just selling; you’re building genuine connections and friendships. I like the fact the lines are sometimes a little blurry between work and home - I want to be the same person at work as I am at home.

What to Share?

You might be wondering, "What should I share?" The answer is simple: share pieces of your journey that matter. Consider offering insights into:

• What inspires you: Talk about the ideas, people, or experiences that fuel your passion - take notes on your phone, record the things that excite and catch your attention - if you’re anything like me, you’ll forget when you actually have time to make the content!

• Your hobbies and interests: Whether it's a love for gardening, cooking, or a favorite book, these details make you relatable.

• Behind-the-scenes snippets: Give your audience a peek into your daily routine, your workspace, or how you overcome challenges.

• Your goals and ongoing projects: Let people in on what you’re working towards and the milestones along the way.

For example, I once shared a video about how my year hadn’t started as fabulously as I’d hoped, and how I was feeling a bit flat. It wasn’t easy putting myself out there, but the warmth and understanding that poured in reminded me that authenticity truly builds community.

Balancing Professionalism and Personality

I get it—you want to maintain professionalism. The good news is, you can be both professional and personable. Gone are the days when “it’s just business” was a valid excuse for being cold or detached. By blending your expertise with genuine human moments, you create a brand that’s both reliable and relatable. And apparently the trend it so show up more real and less polished. Polished and perfectly styled is a ‘Millennial’ thing, and apparently, the way we market our businesses is becoming irrelevant!

Standing Out in a Crowded Market

Let’s face it—there are probably a million businesses out there offering similar products or services. So, what makes you special? It’s the little pieces of your life that make you unique. When you only post about your products or services on repeat, there’s little for your audience to connect with. But when you share bits of your story, your struggles, and your successes, you stand out in a crowded market.

Being a photographer, I am in an incredibly saturated market and sometimes this makes me feel like I have no value… But people aren’t just buying what you offer; they’re buying the connection they feel with you.

The Proof is in the Pudding

I often hear from clients and friends:

• "I booked you because I love how warm and authentic you seem."

• "Your new YouTube channel is so cool—I admire how brave you are for showing up even when you’re scared."

• "I love seeing your garden updates; they’re so inspiring!"

These comments remind me that sharing personal glimpses of my life—like my home updates, behind-the-scenes setups, and honest moments—resonates deeply with people. They build trust and create a sense of familiarity long before any business transaction takes place.

Summing it all up

Remember, you're more than just your business, and your business is more than just a business. By sharing snippets of your life—what excites you, challenges you, and drives you—you allow people to connect with the human behind the brand. And when they connect, they care more.

For more on my journey and what inspires me, check out my bio here.

Honey xx