Let's Be Authentic Together! (Or: Learning How to Stand Out in a Crowd)
Posted by Heather Taskovics · 16 Comments
It really is interesting how trends are started and how long they last–especially when it comes to social media marketing. There are those out there who are considered to be trailblazers among the throngs of blogging social media *gurus* out there. It’s natural for fans to want to emulate their favorite social media *superstar*. As the saying goes, “imitation is the highest form of flattery”–so in by mimicking our favorite bloggers we are just showing them how much we appreciate and value what they have to offer to the world. And hey, if it works for them, it could work for us as well…right?
In some ways, “yes”, but in so many other ways, not so much.
You hear a lot in about being *authentic* in the social media world–especially from the *world famous* marketers and bloggers in the industry. But what does it really mean to be truly authentic?
According to Merriam-Webster.com, the word authentic is defined as being “true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character”. This being the case, you really can’t be true to yourself if you are always copying others, can you?
Keep in mind, though, that the only way we as humans learn how to do anything is by studying those who have already done it. And how do we apply that knowledge once we’ve learned it? By repeating exactly how it was done by the person who showed us how!
This is starting to sound like a *Catch 22*, isn’t it? Fear not, it does get better…
Imitating another person is normal. As humans, we are drawn to groups of people who have similar interests and behaviors–it is that feeling of being accepted in a tribe that we constantly crave. When it comes to learning, we only find ourselves copying at first–you may as well say I’m copying right now by writing this blog post that will be thrown into the mix with all the other bloggers who have written about this very same topic–however, when we acquire more knowledge from various resources on a particular topic, we will be better able to come up with our own ideas and philosophies.
This is how you will determine your own authentic style.
So, now I urge you to learn as much as you can about the niche that you have chosen. Read books, listen to CDs, watch videos and learn from a variety of different people who are leaders your particular vocation. Over time, you will be able to formulate your own original thoughts that make sense to you and share that information with your readers.
Who knows, you may end up becoming a trailblazer in your own right! 
As always, I love to know what your thoughts are on the topics I post here–so go ahead and leave your comments in the space provided below. While you are at it, share the love and post the link to this on your favorite social media venue of choice–be it Facebook, Twitter, Digg, or what have you. Thank you so much!
Until next time…
To Your Ultimate Success and Prosperity In All That You Do!
“On A Mission To Help You Achieve Success In Life”
http://heathertaskovics.net
contact@heathertaskovics.net
Tel: 781 475 0936
Skype: heather.taskovics
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Great advice Heather, it is a little challenging in the beginning to really find your authentic self. It is far more effective to be yourself though, because there is only 1 you. The world needs each unique personality. Good stuff thanks
Great post Heather. Really hit home for me because I am what what is known as in Astrology as a “sponge type” personality. I tend to pick up the vibe of whomever I am hanging out with at the time. And ya it can be a fine line between being true to YOU and emmulating another because you’ve bee inspired or motivated by their way of being. As usual we have to be consistently willing to flex that muscle of mindfullness to stay in balance.
Thank you for writing this Heather! I was actually thinking about this the other day….we are all followers in the beginning, but somewhere down the road we have to create our on path and be a leader in our own right. People sometimes worry too much “that’s not what my mentor would have done” but like everything in life, we take the education from it and then apply it to who we really are and not what we think we are supposed to be
Really enjoyed reading your post Heather
Thanks again!
Hey Heather!
You write so well! Man, such a funny post because it’s true!! We learn from others but somehow have to stay true to who we are.
See you in the tribe, thanks for sharing.
Hi Heather, you explained a challenging topic very well! The real skill in social media is to BE yourself. So, new people say “what can I share if I’ve just got started”?
And, like Heather said, you explain what you’ve learnt elsewhere in your own words. It’s amazing how someone may not understand something written in a “guru’s words”, and they understand the same thing written in a “new person’s voice”.
Have a terrific weekend!! Julieanne
Heather, you’ve done it again for me!:-)
Thanks for sharing this valuable tip. I find it very helpful especially since I’m new to blogging and social medial networking. I hear so much about building your brand and finding your niche. The more I learn about this important concept the more I realize how important it is. It’s been challenging for me to get to the core of things and to really get the ball rolling; everyday, I’m getting closer in the flow.
I like the idea of doing what the superstars are doing but I also like the idea of being authentic. There is a first time for everything and I know overtime, it’ll get easier and things will start to flow. I’m doing everything I possibly can to stick to my passion and to be authentic about it. The learning never stops and I’m thankful for that. The more I focus in on me, the more creative I can be!:-)
Thanks again!:-)
Thanks for the great post! I always try to tell people to build their brand around their personality. You are right that it can be hard at first, but don’t try to force it. It will come to you. And reading everything and learning as much as you can about your niche will allow you to be yourself and add your own little flare to all that you do with ease and comfort.
To Our Massive Success
Diane
Hi Heather,
Thanks for sharing this post. You make one of the most important points about being true to yourself. Not just showing people the real you but also learning to discover who you are to yourself.
Investing in the education of your niche is one of the best things you can do.. Never stop learning and always learn something new about yourself.
Beth
I think people forget to ‘let out’ their authenticity. They think they need to be like someone else in order to be – popular, or accepted, or even to make money.
I think some people can only hear your voice and you have a responsibility to share it. And you need to trust yourself. Trust that your message is valuable.
Your Ahh Haa moments are valuable to others. Share your joy!
@Debbie – You are so right on that! Thanks so much!
Being authentic really is a catch 22, Heather.
As you point out, you learn to “be yourself” by imitating others. I guess the authenticity lies in the fact that we all seek out our own unique concoction of role models and leaders to follow.
You’re right in suggesting that we follow our leaders, but at some point in time strike out on our own to make our own interpretation of their teachings and modeling. Sort of like when a child learns from her parents, but eventually becomes her “own” person… which often looks eerily like her parents!
Thanks, Heather, for this provocative challenge to navigate among the leaders and to emerge as a leader in our own right. And thanks for being one of those leaders that we’d be well advised to model ourselves after if we seek success in internet marketing!
Awww, thanks so much, David! I really appreciate the wonderful support. It’s because of all of you that I do this!
Namaste, my friend.
Hey Heather,
Great post!
Thanks for the encouragement and reminder that as we keep on keeping on, our authentic voices will come out sooner or later.
Read, learn, grow, yes, but as important… SHARE what you are learning as you learn it, as this not only helps to re-inforce what you have learnt but also causes YOUR own authentic voice to begin forming around your niche.
Thanks Again
Ricardo
You said it, Ricardo! Thanks so much!
This topic is quite timely Heather. I am currently working on developing my niche, so much so that I just spent 3 hours discussing this and other blog related issues with your friend and mine Diane L. Fisher. The second challenge to working your niche is how to monetize your blog. What fits in with your niche and what doesn’t? It is a good idea to create ways to generate income that are related to your topic rather than post anything and everything you can get your hands on. I have seen blogs that promote items or services that have nothing to do with the purpose of the blog. I’m not sure that gets results and it confuses the reader as to what the message of the blog really is.
I totally agree with you, David. You must be consistent with your niche when promoting opportunities/services/products; otherwise, people may see you as someone who’s *only in it for the money*.
Remember that no matter what you do in this industry, always keep your integrity in mind.
Thanks so much, David!