Have you heard a popular advice- BE AUTHENTIC? I bet you have. Many, many times. “Authenticity” has become a buzzword, right? I have yet to meet a personal branding expert who would not tell you you must be authentic. And I fully agree that it’s one of the two most important things to have a strong personal brand. But here is where it gets confusing and complicated- how do you actually do that? You can’t learn authenticity, and you certainly can’t fake it.

We, as humans, are equipped with an almost instinctual ability to sense authenticity—or the lack of it. This  “authenticity detector “functions without fail both in personal interactions and online, often without our conscious awareness. Have you ever felt something was just “off” about someone? That unsettling feeling usually surfaces when there’s a misalignment between someone’s projected image and their true self. This dissonance can make it hard for others to trust or connect with them.

But here’s the empowering truth-authenticity can only be embraced. It’s about understanding and accepting yourself the way you are. With all your strengths and weaknesses, stories of successes and failures, and the quirky things, too. It isn’t about presenting an unfiltered version of yourself to the world, nor is it about curating a perfect image. It is about how you convey your very essence online and offline. It is about ensuring that all your actions, communications, and presence genuinely reflect your core values and passions, balanced with your professional.

So, let’s address some common misconceptions:

Myth 1: Authenticity equals full transparency

Being authentic doesn’t mean sharing every aspect of your life and running around 24/7 with your live stream on. It’s not about baring your soul, either. It’s about aligning your actions ( be it posting, sharing a video, recording a podcast, or choosing a specific tactic) with your core values and what resonates with you on a deeper level. How do you know what’s right for you? Take a moment to check in with yourself: How does it feel? Pay attention to your physical and emotional responses—does it feel light or heavy? Do you feel uplifted and inspired or tensed? We always know what is right or wrong for us if we get out of our heads and listen to what our body tells us.

Myth 2: Professionalism Precludes Personality

Professional doesn’t have to mean boring or personality-free. True professionalism doesn’t suppress personality; it incorporates it strategically to build an emotional connection. People work with people whom they know, like, and trust. We like and trust people who share similar values with us and with whom we have things in common. There is a certain way you are doing things based on your unique personal brand DNA. It defines how you use your unique strengths to solve challenges, how you speak and connect, and how you make people feel. Your personality attracts a specific type of people and repels others. And that is perfectly fine. It happens automatically in real life, but we must understand ourselves to create the same effect in the digital space. You don’t want to be liked by everybody; you want the right people to come to work with you because of who you are! And when you make sure your Digital Twin is not a stand-alone fictional character but a true representation of who you are, people will know if you are right (or not) for them before you actually meet. Once you do, you will already have connection, liking, and trust. Just imagine how much easier and quicker it would be to start working together.

Myth 3: Authenticity Is Fixed

Authenticity isn’t a one-and-done thing—it evolves, just like you do. Our experiences and insights shape us continuously, and reflecting on these changes is essential to maintaining an authentic Digital Twin.

This doesn’t mean adding new certifications or achievements; it involves sharing insights from recent challenges, shifts in your professional focus, or emerging passions. Each update is an opportunity to show your audience the real, evolving you. This ongoing process not only keeps your personal brand fresh but also relatable.

Moreover, embracing this dynamic nature of authenticity helps build a deeper connection with your audience. People are drawn to growth and evolution—they want to follow a journey, not just a static snapshot. When you share your journey openly, you invite others to learn from your experiences, engage with your story, and find parallels in their own paths. You also inspire people around you to start learning and embracing who they truly are.

I invite you to think of your personal brand as a living document of your professional life. As you evolve, it should, too, mirror your real-world changes with online updates that reflect your current interests and expertise. This practice enhances your authenticity and underscores your commitment to personal and professional integrity. By managing your Digital Twin in this way, you’re telling your audience that you value transparency and are confident in your skin, even as it changes.

This evolving authenticity is what can make a personal brand genuinely magnetic. It attracts people who resonate with who you are today and who are eager to see where you will go tomorrow.

Myth 4: Authenticity Doesn’t Drive Business Success

The reality is quite the opposite. Genuine vibes build trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship. Being authentic online can build deeper, more meaningful connections, leading to tangible business victories and enduring partnerships. Authenticity isn’t just appealing; it’s a magnet that keeps the right people coming back because they feel a genuine connection with you. This trust that authenticity builds is a powerful asset in the business world, giving you the confidence to build and maintain strong relationships.

Why copying another’s personal branding strategy won’t work?

It’s tempting to copy a successful personal branding strategy, thinking it will guarantee success. However, without the “real you” at its core, even the most effective systems and strategies will not work. Many teach personal branding after finding success themselves, but a critical element of their teaching must be helping you discover and articulate who YOU are.

Embracing authenticity means more than just being honest—it’s about being profoundly true to your essence in a way that resonates with both yourself and your audience. It’s this genuine representation that not only attracts but sustains valuable relationships. When your “Digital Twin” truly mirrors who you are, people can sense this congruence before they even meet you. This pre-established trust dramatically simplifies and accelerates the process of building effective collaborations and partnerships. Authenticity is your most compelling asset; use it wisely to not just meet but exceed your professional aspirations.

If you are interested to learn more about authentic leadership, I just shared my thoughts with the Authority Magazine Read more

p.s. If you’re curious about growing your personal brand on a global scale, I invite you to follow me on my journey. Will I succeed, or what will I learn? We’ll find out on April 1, 2025. READ MORE ABOUT MY EXPERIMENT

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By Olesija Saue

Keywords: Marketing, Personal Branding, Sales