All of us know that Facebook, Twitter and like sites have taken over the Internet and the key to being part of this social phenomenon is to be Authentic.  It is an absolute must that  anyone who has a product or service to offer take part in this Social Media Maze. However, it certainly can seem overwhelming and one may ask where to start their journey. My suggestion is that no matter where you begin, be sure to move forward in a genuine and Authentic way. The following example is why I feel that being Authentic must be your very first and continual mission with regard to Social Media…

The NOT so Authentic Car Salesmen:

I am sure you have all been car shopping. But have you been car shopping and some salesmen comes out of the store with his slicked back hair and a funky gallop in his step heading straight for you? As he approaches, he starts his over the top theatrical presentation of how much he knows you would look just fabulous in this car. You feel a small twinge of repulsion, but after all you would look great in that car, right? So you entertain it for a moment, but then he keeps laying it on thicker and thicker. Until he is promising you that this car can perform super fantastic tricks like something out of Herbie.

By then the red flags are a going up all over the place and all you can do is slowly back away, thank him for his time and get the heck out of there! Your flight or fight response was activated and you chose to RUN!!!

This is the exact thing that happens when we present ourselves in a manner that is not our Authentic self.  People will have the same response to us and turn the other way to run. No one wants to do business with someone who is fake. Therefore, we must strive in every interaction online to be our real, true and Authentic self. You certainly do not want to be the goofy car salesmen, right?

The Bottom line: Being anything but the ‘Authentic Real Deal’ You turns

people off.

So you get the message loud and clear, but still are nervous about maintaining an online prescence? Here are few tips for learning how to project yourself out there…

Putting your best self forward by being Authentic:

1. Believe in yourself. Remember that what you have to offer is of value and that is it worth sharing with others!

2. Focus on your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Are you Loyal and Dependable? Or, maybe you’re super Patient  and kind? Spend your energy sharing from those strong areas you possess and continue to learn and grow in the not so strong ones. We are all human and we have flaws. It’s okay. In fact, it is just better that way. Individuals find it very hard to connect with the “perfect” person. Your weaknesses make you REAL!

3. Be Transparent. This simply means that you can not hide who you are.

People are looking to connect these days. They want to form relationships and get to know you and that will never be possible if you hide behind a mask. Go on share your story, lay it all out there (ok maybe not all of it, depending on the story, but you get the gist)!

So forge forward in your business endeavors and the changing face of the Internet, but always remember to do so by being your Authentic self!

Click the link that follows to learn more about how the Internet is being changed by Social Media and how businesses must now move toward Attraction Marketing thru Social Media.

From my Adventures,