1 Quote, 1 Truth, 1 Action
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” — Brene Brown
A Secret Revealed
Milly Vanilli was a German R&B duo group that quickly gained fame in the late 1980s and 1990s. They sold 7 million records in the US and over 30 million singles internationally. In 1990, they received a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. They were hot stuff. Until it all fell apart.
After much speculation and scrutiny, Milly Vanilli’s manager finally admitted that the duo did not sing any of the vocals in their music. Fans revolted. Even their Grammy Award was revoked. They never again would be known as great musicians. Instead their legacy is deception. Because of their lack of authenticity, their fall came quicker than their rise to fame.
At the Root of Marketing
People follow authenticity. Authenticity drives any effective brand. And whether you have a business or not, your personal brand takes you places (job interviews, promotions, votes, etc.).
Authenticity should be easy. It simply means to be yourself (and not what others want you to be), do what you do (and not what others do) and like what you like (not what you thin others like).
When you are authentic, you more quickly find people (fans, customers, subscribers, team members, volunteers and voters) that admire who you are and your why. Those people become your brand ambassadors.
Authenticity, being yourself, should be easy. But in the world of click-bait and fandom, you and I are easily tempted to abandon “self” for what we think the world wants us to be.
One of the most common regrets of those dying in hospice is “not being true to myself.” While we are breathing, let’s heed this warning and remain authentic. Authenticity breeds purpose.
Today, I challenge you to be true to yourself. Here are some practical reminders for authenticity:
- Create more than you consume: Practice being a producer, cultivating the world around you.
- Express your thoughts and passions with others: even when others have a different view, they admire your passion.
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1 Quote, 1 Truth, 1 Action
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