Authenticity.
That word has been so overused, what does it even mean anymore? Specifically in how it relates to your public-facing self and how you promote your freelance business?
As freelancers, we are told to show our “authentic” selves on social media in order to stand out from the crowd, from the competition, from the AI clones who stand in the shadows ready to replace us.
But, we are also supposed to be “professional”.
- So don’t:
- Overshare
- Be TOO vulnerable
Or be boring, because who’s going to hire a creative freelancer who isn’t entertaining and engaging at every moment?
Oh yeah, also don’t burn out from trying to do all of the above at the same time.
As a voiceover talent, my clients often ask for an “authentic” read. They will describe what they are looking for in the brief as sounding grounded, human, relatable, and imperfect. But I know that you can’t perform “authentic”.
You can only BE yourself.
So, to sound relatable, grounded, human and “authentic”.
I have to relate to, be grounded in, and see myself in the product or service I’m talking about.
I think this also works for how we present ourselves professionally online and in social media as creative freelancers. Relate to what you are saying, be grounded in your truth, accept that we, like everyone else, is imperfectly human.
Oh, and boundaries are healthy!
In this week’s Freelance Fitness episode, I explore what authenticity means to me, while I coach you through a can-do-this-anywhere cardio workout.
Fun video of me authentically demonstrating the exercises in a cramped space.
Let’s squeeze a workout in and find the authentic balance together.
Work hard. Rest well.
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