No matter what you are trying to accomplish, such as getting a job promotion, selling a product, convincing your mate to see your side, being “real” will more likely help you get the job done better.
Being “real” means a few different things.
1) It means being honest and open with your emotions and communication. It means using the old familiar “I” statements. For example, “I think I really deserve this raise. I’ve taken the extra training to advance my skills, I’ve taken on extra assignments, and I’ve gotten rave reviews on my reports.” It’s not always easy to speak up for yourself, but you need to be a strong advocate for yourself.
2) Being “real” also means having the courage to sing your own praises. For example, telling a client prospect about the success your clients have working with you, or mentioning the length of time they stay a customer does not make you a braggart. Instead, it demonstrates the confidence and success you have. It shows that your clients see the high return of investment that your services brings to them, and will impress your prospect also.
3) Being “real” also means being able to share the good and “not so good” moments with others. Being “real” also means that you can make mistakes. One of my most embarrassing moments was when a new client showed up at my home, early in the morning, for her coaching session. I was waiting for her phone call in my office. I had to answer the door in my robe and face her square on, taking responsibility for the mix up about the location of our meeting.
Not exactly the way I wanted to present myself to her!
Being “real” will have you kicking yourself at times, but people like when they know you are authentic. That means they can relate to you, allowing them to trust you more.
So don’t be afraid to show your true colors. You will attract those who relate to you and that’s your perfect customer!
Jane Morrison, Certified Coach & Trainer, teaches success programs to women entrepreneurs. She empowers women to live their passion and effectively promote themselves. With their improved sales and marketing skills, they become the success they deserve. Let her help you make your dreams come true with confidence, courage and clarity of vision.
Look for her signature program “The Ultimate Step by Step Business Building Success Guide for Women Entrepreneurs” on her website, www.janemorrison.com
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes being real. As a psychotherapist working with professional women, my work basically consists in helping them know they are perfectly fine as they are and take the risk to be themselves. Many women do not succeed not because they lack talent, but more because they lack confidence, often a result of childhood trauma.
I agree that as professionals and or in everyday life, we need to be real. Connection is the best gift we have. If I am not genuine in my conversations, interviews, daily life, I will not do well. It is that simple. I do feel I am authentic in my daily life whether it is at my work place as a director, as a mom, as a speaker/consultant, as a sister, as an aunt.
People everywhere apprecite honesty. Try it, you’ll go far.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for sharing your views about authenticity. I bet everyone in your life is blessed by your “realness”
To your success,
Jane Morrison
Hi Marguerite,
Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I agree, sometimes we are our own worse enemies, and get in the way of our success with self dobut.
It’s awesome that you are making a difference to women to accept their beautiful selves!
To your success,
Jane Morrison
I agree wholeheartedly. In business and in personal relationships, as well as with myself, I want to be my authentic self. I need to own my own stuff and I also need to take responsibility for my own needs.
When I am vulnerable around people the relationship is always more genuine. When I make a mistake I need to own it and make it right, and be gentle with myself.
And if I need something I can ask for it.
Also I like it that I can accept my gifts and talents and not feel embarrassed about my skills and accomplishments.
Thanks for the topic.
Julia,
You sound like you’ve mastered self confidence, assertiveness and self love. I know it takes practice! What can you attribute to your success? We all need tips. Thanks for sharing.
Jane
Jane, thanks but I have not come close to “mastering” confidence, assertiveness and self-love.
Since you asked, I am working a 12-step program for co-dependents, and also getting counseling for my own issues, and yes, I am making progress.
I have access to some amazing people and resources, and I have my Higher Power to guide me.
Julia,
Thank you for sharing what you’re doing to work on yourself. You’re right, we’ve never fully “mastered” self improvement, it is always a work in progress!
Jane