Authenticity – Breathing Your Essence into Your Business

"A leader will find it difficult to articulate a coherent vision unless it expresses his core values, his basic identity...one must first embark on the formidable journey of self-discovery in order to create a vision with authentic soul." ~Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Breathing your essence into your business may sound strange, but I believe that it is a very important component in one’s business. Why? Because it is your personal and unique brand, the one thing that sets you apart from the competition.

Let’s take a moment to look at the definition of essence. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word "essence" as the individual, real, or ultimate nature of a thing; the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person. Think of it as your business’s personality.

Have you ever patronized similar businesses, but there was something special and unique that stood out about one business in particular? If so, you experienced the essence of that business or that business’ personality. Whatever that essence was – great customer service, dynamic setting, professionalism, great organization or fast and friendly service, etc. – it left you with the feeling of true satisfaction. Not only did you walk away with a good product or service, but you also walked away with a good experience.

You may be asking how to breathe the essence of who you are into your business. In a nutshell, you must know what your essence is...in essence, no pun intended, you must know who you are and what you possess inside. You must be able to identify and clearly display your essence, that unique part of yourself that you can intertwine in your business. You must be in touch or in tune with your authentic self.

"The authentic self is soul made visible." ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Your authentic self is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as not false or imitation; true to one’s own personality, spirit or character; being actually or exactly what is claimed.

In business, there are key rules, guidelines and clear and concise business strategies that are needed for us to professionally and effectively conduct thriving and successful businesses. That’s a given, but the ingredient of being an authentic business owner is needed too. Why? Simply stated, most customers and potential customers can smell fake and imitation a mile away.

Although it’s imperative that we as business owners conduct ourselves professionally and ethically, we need not try to conduct our businesses exactly as someone else. Be comfortable and confident in who you are and the services or products that you have to offer. Be true to yourself and your customers.

A person who’s weaved authenticity and breathed the essence of who she is into her business will not make false claims about her business. Authentic people will not promise what they can’t deliver because they are aware of their capabilities and their limitations. Although authentic people are well aware of their limitations, they still exude confidence and self-assurance. Not because they’re arrogant, but because they are at peace with knowing what they can and cannot do.

Not everyone will embrace your authentic self or business, but that’s ok. That’s simply the nature of business. People have the right to choose who they want to do business with and they will choose which company or business is the right fit for them.

In closing, give yourself and your business the ammunition needed to succeed by being your authentic self and breathing the essence of who you are into it. Yes, you can!

To your complete and continued success,

Katina Amoah