When I first started my business I didn’t know or embrace the power of being myself.
For us introverts expressing our personality on social media isn’t so straightforward.
Most of us tend to be more private and reserved creatures, and being social (even online) doesn’t come naturally.
You’ve likely heard of the ‘Know, Like and Trust’ factor already. But if not, this helpful marketing expression is one to keep in mind.
Simply put, to grow your business and attract new clients, you need to become known, be liked and have earned their trust.
The best way to get people to like you is to be authentic. This means being yourself and showing who you are — quirks and all.
Firstly though, you need to get over the whole uncomfortable, awkwardness of sharing these things.
The way I get past it is by taking action.
So whenever you start to think ‘I’m boring, no one wants to know about me’ or ‘why would anyone care what I have to say?’ Remember you defeat doubts by doing.
The more you put yourself out there, the easier it will get… I promise!
Over time you’ll gradually start to see people engaging with you because they relate to you.
Secondly, you need to figure out what to share. You might feel some things are just too personal, and that’s fine — you don’t have to share anything you don’t want to.
But you do need to be real, and that means the good and sometimes the bad.
To give you some ideas, here are 5 ways to be more YOU on social media and in your content.
1. Share Things You Love
Choose 3 to 5 things that you love and mention them regularly.
They should be things that make you who you are or are a big part of your life.
I’m a doggo mum to a gorgeous Siberian Husky called Kylo.
Whenever I get chance, I’ll talk about him or share a cute photo. Recently a connection said, “I saw a husky the other day, and it made me think of you”. Great right?
The trick is to be specific.
- If you’re crazy about pizza, say which toppings you like… or in my case don’t like. I’m sorry, but pineapple on a pizza is just plain wrong.
- If you’re a chocoholic, you could post about your obsession with Cadbury Fruit and Nut.
- If you usually hate tea, you could share how you discovered a tea you do like called Malty Biscuit Brew. It’s amazing, trust me!
Then whenever your audience sees it, they will automatically associate it with you.
2. Share Your Talents or Hobbies
Your talent or hobby may be completely unrelated to what you do. But sharing them shines a light on a different side of you.
Perhaps your a copywriter who enjoys Crochet. Or a virtual assistant who likes to tango on the weekend. Most people will either relate to it or find it impressive.
If you can in some way incorporate it, that’s even better. Say you love trekking up peaks on the weekend, then why not record a video to share a ‘tip and the top’.
I love to sing. Even as a shy little girl, singing made my heart soar.
I’m not great at talking on video, but singing I can do. So I write parody songs on subjects related to life as a business owner.
It could even be something you like to do for fun. On Instagram, Self-esteem Coach Natalie Lue posts stories of her dancing. Why? Just because she loves it!
3. Share Conversations or Anecdotes
I recently had a conversation with a friend who called me sensible. At first, I took it negatively thinking ‘Does that make me boring?’.
So I did the sensible thing, I asked LinkedIn.
Most said that it was a good thing and means I’m a practical, logical person.
It was a great post because it gave my connections more insight into who I am as a person.
There is inspiration everywhere if you look for it. Keep track of interesting conversations or observations and find ways to share them.
4. Share Your Stories and Life Lessons
Tell stories about the times you learned a valuable lesson in life. The things that have happened that influence who you are today.
Your defining moment is a great story to share. This is when you faced a challenge or had an experience that made you decided to finally start your business.
Another life lesson could be a time when you walked away from something for the good of your health or sanity. Maybe you left a career or relationship that wasn’t working out.
These stories help others learn too!
5. Voice Your Opinion
If you have a fear of judgement holding you back, voicing an opinion isn’t easy.
The best way to approach this is to view it as sharing a new perspective. Having an opinion doesn’t mean you discount other peoples opinions; it’s just that your perspective is slightly different.
Also, keep your values in mind. If you stick to your beliefs and values, then you shouldn’t ever feel bad about having and voicing your opinion.
Ready to be more YOU?
I hope this has inspired you to be more YOU in your content and on social media.
Here are some quick final tips to remember:
- Write like you talk and use words that you say regular, even made-up ones.
- Write with emotion. If you’re angry, ecstatic, or insecure use language to express this.
- Make notes about your experiences and conversations. They always come in handy.
- Share photographs of yourself, even selfies taken in front of window can work well.
- Have fun with it! Just be YOU.
Are you ready to start being more YOU on social media to help grow your business? Let me know in the comments.
