"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss
In April, I did a teleseminar called "Don't Be Dorky, Be YOU!" which was about how to write interesting, relevant and non-cheesy content for your self-promotional material. During that seminar, I talked about the wisdom of being "transparent" to your audience; specifically, whether or not you should you share your personal beliefs and interests with your audience if those beliefs are at all controversial or subject to debate.
I used the rather obvious examples of *religion and politics. If you are a person of faith, should you make that clear in your personal marketing (whether that's your blog, your Facebook page, your website, your personal brochure and/or your SOI communications)? If you have strong political leanings, is it appropriate to publicly share those from time to time when current events seem to call for it?
During the seminar, I said yes - it is appropriate, within reason. I explained that even though you take the risk of alienating some of your audience, you also maximize the chances that your candor will attract like-minded people with whom you will probably enjoy working. And even if someone doesn't agree wholeheartedly with your opinion, you'll still stand out among the crowd as simply being more interesting than most of your competition who is determined to play it safe and hang out in the middle of the aisle.
Brilliant stuff, Jennifer, if she does say so herself.
Well, last week, I had the opportunity to put my money where my mouth was. I sent out an email to my entire **mailing list, and, without giving it much thought, referenced a recent controversial blog I'd written.
Oops.
Well, sorta oops. The responses poured in, literally hundreds of them within a few hours. The majority of responses were supportive, even effusive. Neato.
But some were... shall we say... less so.
A handful of my (now former) readers blasted me for my opinion, and a percentage promptly unsubscribed from my mailing list and my Active Rain blog.
At first, I was shaken. I was hurt. I was mad at myself for carelessly risking the support of my readership. I berated myself for hours for being so stupid as to be that transparent with my precious mailing list. I didn't sleep much that night.
But somewhere in the middle of that sleepless night, I had an epiphany. While my transparency did indeed alienate a portion of my audience, it also solidified the support of a much larger portion of that audience, and also attracted dozens of new readers into my world.
I must confess that in my initial moments of panic, I considered apologizing, backing off my stance and returning to the middle of the aisle where it's much safer. But I didn't and I'm at peace with that decision.
Are you considering being more transparent in your self-promotion? If so, good for you! But be warned that it may take the wind out of your sails the first few times (actually, every time) someone nastily asks to be removed from your mailing list, and you may very well lose audience members. But be assured that there IS a loyal and supportive audience for your viewpoint (unless it's really wacky or creepy, LOL); one that will love you even more once they've discovered your common ground!
*See Post #44 for other, less-divisive examples of opportunities to be "transparent."
** If you'd like to join my mailing list so you can receive my sometimes-not-thought-all-the-way-through ramblings, just do that on my home page www.sellwithsoul.com.
Jennifer: I do not agree that you should be fully transparent in the way you suggest. A person can have candor YET still not discuss politics and religion with clients, can't they?
Tough one. I try to show our values and personality in the style and tone of writing... not so much by the topics I choose. There is much in real estate that is black and white, right and wrong and I have no problem taking a stance. But, if I decided to use a public platform to discuss controversial life situations, it would not be this platform.
Melissa - Sure... but I'm not really referring to clients; I'm referring more to general marketing, not necessarily your conversations driving around in the car with a buyer or sitting down with a seller. And I'm certainly not advising that you make your personal marketing all about your politics, religion, children or other personal matters. In fact, I'm not advising anything at all... just asking the question and sharing my personal decision (very transparently!)
Choices, choices.
Would you have done business with the folks who dumped you, had you known THEIR political leanings?
If the answer is, "No." then you culled them out of your list.
If, "Yes," then transparency can provide an "Ouch" now and then.
I do it every Saturday on my weekly radio show. Be real in real estate.
Mike - your question was part of what kept me awake that sleepless night. Not because I want to rule out potential custoomers on the basis of their politics, but rather, the hostility that my blog generated from a handful of people. Do I want to do business with people who don't respect others' rights to a dissenting opinion?
But yes, I definitely felt the "ouch." More personally than financially because, as I described, the majority of my readership seemed to support either my view, or more importantly, to respect my right to have that view.
And by the way, being a political idiot, I had NO IDEA that the blog had political implications at all. It was simply one gal's opinion of a situation in her own back yard (literally).
Steve - I respect that decision, and it may be the way to go.
Harry - It IS kinda fun to rile people up sometimes, I must confess...
I try to avoid politics and religion because they can be so controvercial. I'll be transparent in other areas.
I once had someone question whether or not my marketing smacked of too much patriotism and whether that would turn off people who weren't patriotic. After I stopped laughing, I said, if I offend someone based on THAT, hey, they are soooo not people with whom I have an interest in working.
I agree with the above poster, keep it real. The people you potentially turn off are generally people who don't respect your right to a differing opinion, anyway.
You don't have to agree with every client on every issue, but if they feel passionately and refuse to allow you your dissenting opinion, then I vote them off the island. Life is too short not to enjoy it. There is no amount of business I need that badly...
I very delicate balance..
I disagree with Michelle. I say transparency is the only way to go. I'm more inclined to work with like minded people. I just received my 60th referral off of active rain last week. I am not on a political or religious soap box here, but when the spirit is stirred, I'm going to speak. I can't live my life with regrets. I'm not looking to swing an axe, but hey, when I'm stirred, I'm sharing. Thanks for sharing!
Yes. Absolutely! The people who follow us do so for a reason. Those that are offended by our thoughts or postings are marginal customers. We all want to build and maintain a database of our biggest fans. What sets us apart is how we are different. When everyone else may be afraid to really let it all hang out, those of us who are clear and transparent get to go to the front! Thanks for the post!
I think you need to be who you are and let that be seen. If your going to change your personality to fit someone elses mold then you lose your individuality. If you lose some people, oh well, work harder to find the type of people that appreciate you and want to work with you.
Ahhhh.... so the great debate has started again.
Yet, I serve alot of people of different faith and some no faith at all.I don't necessarily like the word Delicate Balance because I feel finding that balance is being on the fence and not having a personal opinion (or a ground to stand). I know the word is RESPECT.
Do I write religion related stuff? (I don't necessarily care too much for political views). You bet I do. I begin my week with a Sunday God First post. I have made a decision to do that for me, not for my readers. It is to tell myself whom is first in my life.
Little did I know I created a small following.
I believe transparency is important. You cannot be ALL to everyone. Remember that you can only serve 25% of people who are attracted to you. Hence, if you try to remain plain and unprovocable, so will be your business.
My heart mission: When you let God guide, God will provide. I never intend to offend anyone but that's how I operate. A Holistic approach to my business. I do not believe in separating life and real estate. They are one and the same. So how could you possibly not include what you stand for in your marketing?
Too uncomfortable with that statement? Now, that's transparency for you.
The fact is that people work with people that they like.. (birds of a feather...) so transparencey is important, and the De-Dorked blog/advertising is important as well.. It needs to "sound" like us to attract clients as they get to know us.
I would still advise over doing it though!
I think you can be transparent, within reason. I don't think it is my place to force my views on the others around me, but it also depends on how strongly you feel you want to "evangelize" on your views, at the risk of turning off someone who doesn't agree with you. I like working with people I agree with, but one of my strongest held beliefs is tolerance for others.
My father was in sales most of his life. To this day I have no idea how he has voted in an election because he wouldn't discuss politics. He didn't want to alienate any of his clients.
Jennifer, thanks for the post. I often wonder how transparent I should be regarding my religious beliefs. I think I've come to this conclusion: I want to do business with people who are accepting of the person I am. I do not push my beliefs on anyone, but I am not afraid to proclaim my faith and I have no issues being accepting of other beliefs even if they are different from my own.
I think one can be - and even should be - transparent in a blog. That tells people who you are and what you stand for. It is also a question of your own comfort level - to what extent do you share personal information. And I'm not talking about clients and your blog followers. Think about your friends, who support you and accept you the way you are. There still might be topics you are not comfortable sharing with anyone. And some other person might happily tell all about it...
Within reason is the operative phrase, especially the word reason should be a focus. I am very much about transparency until your beliefs are demanded for me to agree with or acknowledged as absolute truth.
Thanks - you've made me really think about this topic to decide where I stand. I guess I do like marketing that reflects my personality & style so people have a sense of who I am & what I'm about. I don't like to purposely be controversial or provocative with people I don't even know yet - but my very favorite "clients who turn into friends" have all been of the type where we can have a spirited discussion of different viewpoints without crossing that line of being disrespectful of our right to have different opinions.
Jennifer - I find that some people can be offended by almost anything, so, being "transparent" doesn't bother me. I would rather be myself than to "walk on eggshells". Although I do admit that I try to keep the conversation "organic" and not force things out into the open.
Transparency in all things. Yep. I am who I am. If you do not want to know what I think, don't ask me. That being said...If you don't ask, then we probably will not talk about controversial topics. But my personality & beliefs do come across in my writing style and the way that I speak.
Jennifer, I don't hide my faith but I don't flaunt it. The reality is that people enjoy doing business with those of a like mind. With that in mind, I know that some will want to use me and others not. I'm okay with all of that.
I think transparency is very relevant. I have this work for "upfront" mortgage brokers who disclose the actual rate they get from lenders, pass that rate along to consumers and charge a fee for their expertise in the transaction.
I see how you could receive negative emails. I also see how you could build a more loyal following and client base.... always a tough decision to lay it all out there but in the end may possibly be the best...
I don't have a problem sharing "touchy feely" stuff. It makes me more human.
Jennifer, people are attracted to people who are like themselves. And since it is impossible to please everyone and share the same values and opinions with everyone, some people are going to be alienated. The funny thing is that we hold an array of opinions. Some of those opinions we share with others and some cause a disagree amount the same people we share other opinions with. But for the opinions that we don't share with other groups should not diminish from the WHOLE person that we are.
In other words, if I enjoy most of your post, and you then right one that I don't like then I'd have to consider the whole of your opinions and not just the one. In that respect, I think I would still like the person, but share a difference of opinion on a particular topic.
Jennifer, we can never please everyone. I don't agree everything my friends say or believe, but I am always their friend, people just need to respect other's opinions, no matter you like it or not. I won't intend to hurt anybody's feelings, but we just have no control what others think, that's all. I'd rather be real though.
Jennifer - I'm all about transparency. There's nothing like admitting you're a Communist Hermaphrodite in front of your peers;)
You may have lost some readers, but you just gained one more.
A very good friend of mine owns several restaurants in the local area. He shares my political feelings on most things. In short, we're both very fiscally conservative. I asked him the other day if he'd like to come out to the local Republican Club meeting. His response? "Can't do it, man. Democrats have to eat, too."
Tread very lightly.
Jennifer- You are brilliant! Transparency does polarize. However, just like you discovered, polarizing your audience creates those who will unsubscribe and disdain your marketing but the other side will be glued to you with a loyalty that bonds like nothing else.
The studies have all been done that those who polarize their audiences create much more business and loyalty. In fact, everyone who reads my knows how I feel and how transparent I am- in that- we have gotten some great listings and clients from those who are on opposing political and religious views. Why? THey even told us- we chose you because you stand for what you believe in. You take a stand. You are NOT a coward. That means to us, that even though we TOTALLY disagree with your stand- we know you will take our back. We know you will fight for us and negotiate for us.
So at the end of the day, transparency brings those people into your life who are meant to be in your life. Katerina
Jennifer...
i think that you can be transparent and non controversial at the same time. There are some people that would unsubscribe because you are a fan of a different sports team, and you can't spend your life worrying about them!
You can not please everyone. There is no other way but transparency! Any other way is just too much.
Transparency is one thing, pushing one's beliefs on people is another (NO, I'm not saying you did that- I'm saying too many people do). It's fine to show one's beliefs as long as you respect other people's right to have differing views.
Hmmm....interesting post and many different comments. I'll pleed the 5th
Jennifer - If there's one thing I believe in, it's being who I am without much hidden under the surface. Does that mean I'll write religious or political posts - no, but it does mean that I'm not afraid to talk about things that many would not. I've talked openly about my experiences with foreclosure and the real estate business in a way that I know makes some people think of me differently, but that doesn't bother me. I don't do religion and politics simply for the fact that I have my beliefs and I really don't care to share them and debate them ad naseum with others. I choose my debates wisely.
Most of this comes from having a very open book life as a musician. Google hard enough and you can find more about me out there than I know - some of it true, some of it odd, some of it outright false. There's not much for me to hide in that sense.
Great post topic. I've wondered about this many times as well and I found your post to be illuminating. I think we all want to be with people that are authentic and transparent if they are humble about it, and don't demand that others agree with them. There are a lot of questions out there that don't have easy answers. I enjoy being around a person that gives me the freedom to hold my own opinion, and doesn't browbeat me with theirs. It is hard to let a person disagree when you feel strongly that they are wrong, but I think humble transparency gives the best opportunity for a person to see the merits of your viewpoint and make their own decision about it.
Jennifer:
I struggle with this battle every single day. I see an overwhelming number of agents who are doing their best to put down stripes in the middle of the road, and it makes them much less interesting to me. Of course, they are probably doing more business than I am, so I guess it works for them.
But I have a brain and I know how to use it. Unfortunately, we live in a society that worships celebrity over Jesus, punishes intelligence, fairness and decency -- and rewards stupidity, narrow-mindedness, cruelty, and immorality. People laugh at kindness and cheer criminal acts. People want what they want, don't like to be told they are selfish or wrong, and don't seem to care about each other very much.
Personally I am sick of it. But if we talk too much about these things, some clients and potential clients are going to be alienated. My problem is finding the line: How can you be "kind of" yourself or "mostly" yourself when being yourself means telling it like it is without filters?
If you can answer that one, than you will have earned your money today.
PS ... Once I was told this: "Usually I tell people to be themselves. But in your case, I'll make an exception."
Look what happened to the Dixie Chicks. And they rebounded. You can't please everybody so you may as well please the people who like you. Whenever I make a feminist statement in one of my articles, I get a bunch of hate mail from jerks. But all that does is make those readers look jerkier.
I am who I am, just like you, and I believe that people have to like who they are doing business with on a personal level in order to be comfortable with them on a professional level.
I agree with Loreena. It's about mutual respect. I remember when she was recommended to really put herself out there. A 3:16 brokerage name tends to do that. But as soon as she began sharing who she really was, the business poured on. So yes, I can see Jennifer where some heartburn made you second guess your decision...but in the end, the referrals you get from your tighter-knit group will be made with more conviction and stronger influence simply because they know who you are.
Hi Jennifer,
I think most people are sick and tired of the overly-politically-correct mentality. I personally find it a breath of fresh air when someone is willing to say what they believe. I really come to like them if they have sound reasoning behind those beliefs and a maturity/respect toward others with a differing view.
~Lisa
Keeping semi neutral and picking your battles or saving an opportunity to build on a comment that a client or business partner has made has always worked with me. Transparency/honesty is great. Its just a matter of implementation!
Thanks for the post!
Something I want to add to the blog, but it's already long enough... when I talk about transparency in one's marketing and other publicly available promotional material... I'm not just referring to religion and politics; these are just the most obvious examples. However, there are other "ways" to be transparent that may not be as divisive as the Two Biggies... such as...
* Being a parent
* Dealing with health challenges; yours or someone's close to you
* Being single
* Being vegetarian or other dietary philosophy
* Going thru a divorce
* Being a rabid fan of your favorite sports team
Can you think of others?
Hi Jennifer - all good things to think about, especially if you are newer to the business where I think one needs to be more cautious until they develop a solid referral base. Even I find myself holding back on sharing personal things pre-closing, sadly to include my goofy sense of humor in some cases for fear that it will upstage my professionalism. On the other hand, you can't please everyone, so as long as you're honest with yourself...every now and again you just have to shatter an eggshell or two.
Jennifer, you must realize that many of us are curious about the blog that you wrote that was so controversial. Please post a link to the blog so we can check it out.
Hi Jennifer,
Point taken! It is sometimes a very fine line that you cross when you are self-promoting. I thnk the key is that we shouldn't say it if we aren't ready for the backlash or the light it puts us in. But, I don't think anyone should back down from a point of view they truly believe in. So good for you!
Kathy
I put my entire seller service offering, everything right on my website, including my fees, etc., so a consumer can attempt to compare apples-to-apples. This transparency has been a HUGE hit with consumers who find real estate a mystery.
Wow: I'm on that list and I missed said controversial mailing. Oh well. Either way I would still subscribe ;-) Some people need to chill and just agree to disagree. It's sad that you would write off someone entirely just because you disagree on one topic. I disagree with my husband on tons of stuff but I have yet to kick him to the curb. You're a keeper, Jennifer! And good for you for being "transparent"!
Jennifer, great things to think about. Unfortunately I am not very transparent. I know enough to not talk a lot about religion and politics to customers unless asked. However, at the same time you have to be yourself. If some people don't want to follow you for that reason, so be it.
Jennifer, your increased transparency I see as targeting better your ideal client.
Jennifer, dying to know what it was! Great blog and thoughts on how much to share. I am not really into being transparent, because I don't want to come off as navel gazing. I think my message is about how to help others with my experience and good sense, not my personal views on stuff like politics or family. I know I should probably put more personal stuff in there, but just think it comes off as unprofessional. I will subscribe to your blog to see how you do it! Thanks so much for posting this.
Jennifer, I think that while you might lose a percentage of readers, the ones who do stayed probably number more than those that left. They understand and I'm sure are more loyal after reading your email. I know I am. And to me, that's what counts.
In my opinion it depends on what your overall goal is. Are you looking for supporters of your point, (some lifting up)? Are you looking to ruffle feathers? What is the goal of bringing your personal beliefs whether they be faith based or political based or both?
For me, I think that those things definitely have their place, but not so sure in business. It's not really anyone's business what I believe or what person I vote for, (or how I parent, or what sports team I like), in my professional life. I find that if I am talking with a client and I find that they may have something in common with me, I may broach the subject, i.e I love the Denver Broncos, (yes, I know I am in San Antonio) and if I see my client has an overabundance of Bronco stuff I may mention it. I will not however poo pooh on a Dallas Cowboy fan, (although really...lol).
I am one of those kind of kumbya people anyway who believes that everyone has a right to their beliefs or their political viewpoint as long as it isn't immoral or injust to anyone else.
Jennifer - Some of the other ways of being transparent are things that I do, but politics and religion I stay away from. This is just something I was taught from childhood and is what I do normally any way, so perhaps it is still me being myself?
Jennifer, I believe that most of your readers had a favorable response just from the fact that they already were predisposed to liking you already. Your BP post was well thought out and even if folks disagree you made some real valid points in your post.
If "politically correct" means not ever offending anyone, then it's an impossibility. People who try to please everyone all the time offend me with their spinelessness. So THERE!
Like attracts Like. I say be yourself (without stepping on anyone)! We are all here because we like the 'realness' that you bring. And those that don't - DELETE.
I am sorry you spent a sleepless night - next time call me. I know what you mean when something eats away at you like that. You do and say a lot of good, so next time focus on all that good stuff, open up all those great emails, and remind yourself that there are many of us who adore you!
Have an awesome day!
I operate in this crazy world with the principles of mutual respect, tolerance and understanding. There is not one person on this planet or in this universe who has got it "right" when it comes to religion or politics. Not one. We all have our opinions, and we're all entitled to those.
As for your other examples of transparency, I have to admit that at times I've been turned off by what others have shown. And so I fully expect that to happen when I show parts of who I am too. A big part of growing up for me (and yes, I'm still working on it) is realizing that I can't be all things to all people and that not everyone will like me. I hear my sister saying, "Put your big girl panties on and buck up, Tanya." And that makes me laugh. Great thought-provoking post, Jennifer.
You cannot fully separate your beliefs from your business--your beliefs drive behavior in everything you do. You can keep them quiet, but I prefer honesty and transparency. I find that 'like attracts like" and that business is more enjoyable when you work with those who are EITHER like-minded OR mature enough to respect differences.
I was away from my desk most of yesterday and was dying to get back here and personally respond to all the wonderful comments. I have to admit, I held my breath when I hit SUBMIT on the blog and then again when I saw it was featured... I'm still a little bit gun-shy on this whole transparency business. But wow - so many great thoughts and observations here.... THANKS!
Sandy - Okay, girl, I've tried, but I couldn't have said it any better... "like-minded or mature enough to respect differences." Yeah, what she said.
Tanya - Always a joy to hear from my Tanya! When you didn't respond sooner, I was 'fraid I'd lost you, too... And you certainly contributed another word of wisdom... "none of have it 100% right!" What a concept!
Christine - You asked for it! If your phone rings in the middle of the night, it just might be me. And I WILL remind you right away of how much you adore me ;-]
John - So THERE, yourself ! Love it.
David - Thank you. I thought my points were valid... of course... so I was surprised at... well, never mind. I was just surprised.
Christine - Yes indeed - it's WHO you are! I've always been pretty silent on both as well until I was inspired to say something. Which, unfortunately perhaps, I didn't realize was political until the fall-out.
Brenda - Good points and questions. How transparent to be publicly is certainly a personal decision and I'd encourage anyone considering talking about their life and their beliefs more openly ask themselves WHY they want to do it.
Eric - I don't know for sure, but it definitely appears that way. So, while the whole exercise was not intended to be anything more than just another Jennifer Newsletter, it seems to have had somewhat bigger implications for my business.
Coral - Did you find it? I love your comment on navel-gazing - I assume you mean that you don't want to come across as self-absorbed?
Gary - We shall see!
Ted - I probably wouldn't talk about RorP with clients, either, unless they bring it up and we seem to agree. Then what fun we'd have!
Cari - I thought you responded to my email - it was the one about UNSubscribing... maybe you missed the controversial part! Be happy to send it to you again, m'dear! LOVE the comment about not kicking hubby to the curb...
Chris - That's exactly what I do, too! And I (and they) LOVE it!
Thank you, Kathy. I appreciate that!
Bob - just go to my blog and scroll back a few days... you'll find it. I'm a little worn out from it all, so I won't post it here... but feel to check it out and comment!
Lisa- There are probably good arguments either way. No, you don't want to run off potential business by being organically YOU, but you might also attract business you wouldn't have otherwise gotten by being YOU. But do note the distinction between being provocative or insensitive with clients, and pursuing business from strangers by being opinionated...
Brian - yes, it probably is a matter of implementation... and none of us will ever be perfect, but live and learn...
Lisa - Thank you - I'm the same way - I do appreciate a non-politically-correct debate, as long as I can see the intelligence behind the debate and not just typical propaganda! Glad you enjoyed it!
Christianne - you know what's funny? I advised Loreena not to be as transparent as she wanted to be... I'm glad she ignored my advice!
Morris - I'm glad We Are Who We Are!
Elizabeth - I know what you mean... and sometimes that's the most fun...
Aaron - I don't know if there is an answer... I was asked by a handful of my readers NOT to write about my personal feelings on subjects again - to stick to real estate. So, with them, I went too far in the wrong direction. But many others wrote me such nice notes I literally had tears in my eyes, more than once. Cain't please 'em all... but if you please YOU, that's a start, I suppose!
David - Very well said!
Matt - I love the transparency in your comment! I have a few of my own skeletens that I'm tempted to write about from time to time and I probably will. Will I go too far? I might. I probably won't talk much about politics from here on out, although I won't promise that... but anyway... thanks so much for your thoughts!
Patricia... You are granted your 5th Amendment rights...
Leslie - Agreed. Pushing is just obnoxious!
Markita - Yeah!!!
Richard- It's just surprising to me WHAT is considered controversial...
Katerina - I read your comment several times - anytime someone starts out with "You are brilliant" I can guarantee you'll have my attention. Seriously - thanks for the confirmation of what I believe and have also found to be true...
Chris - Good story... Hmmmm... gave me something to think about... stay tuned.
Jason - I saw your comment while I was shopping at WalMart... and I laughed out loud in the electronics department. As I recall, you and I are on different sides of the aisle, so your comment really does mean a lot to me!
Rita - We may end up choosing our friends based on similar ideologies, and that's fine. But you're right - there's no need to be nasty to those who don't agree with us!
Charita - Thank you so much for that. And you're right, of course - one item of disagreement shouldn't ruin a relationship - whether business or personal.
Terry - It does indeed!!
Lewis - Time will tell if I made the "right" decision; I suspect I did, even though it wasn't actually a "decision" - more of an oversight!
Tammie - you use a good word - "flaunt." I think you can publicly be who you are without making it appear you expect everyone else to agree with you...
Jenna- And I'll bet it has served you well!
Mike - I wouldn't dream of forcing anyone to talk about an uncomfortable subject in the course of a casual conversation... which is what is great about blogging and such... if someone doesn't like what you have to say, they can just pass it on by. Or, of course, respectfully disagree.
Nancy - it IS fun, isn't it? Too bad it doesn't happen more often - that you can respectfully debate without getting all prickly about it!
Joe - Indeed... within reason IS the key...
Anna - good points. I advise agents to "trust their guts" in their personal marketing and that would certainly apply here as well...
Kelly - it sounds as if you have the right attitude... go with it!
Erik - That's one approach... wouldn't work for me though, I like to talk about myself too much!
Christa - Very well said.
Robert - It's always worked well for me, at various levels of transparency.
Loreena - As always... love your input. Do you remember when I tried to talk you OUT OF being as transparent in your marketing???
Jennifer you do need to be yourself and I agree with you. You can be yourself and still be approachable by people who are different. I am surprised at how many of my clients have different backgrounds and beliefs than me.
Jennifer, this may well be the best post I've read in months! If more people would understand this, what kind of world would they then be working in? It's great to work with clients with whom you have common ground, and being yourself in your marketing draws those people to you. I believe you gain far more loyalty from those people than you would ever lose in the ones you scare away.
JDawg........did not see this till now...........you got my note....keep it real.
pal forever
jmac
Jennifer - Isn't it amazing how we spend less time excited about the people who support us and more time worrying about the people who don't?
Imagine a world where it would be the other way around....
Hello young lady and you are on a roll and let's keep your wonderful post alive with a another feature at one of my favorite "Loving" groups at AR ...
LOVE AT ACTIVERAIN
VB ;-)
Glad you snapped out of it and got on with what you've been "called to do". Oops (not really).