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Guest post by: Stephanie Ward Become an Author

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As a business owner do you ever find yourself trying to act the way you think your clients want you to? Or even more dangerous, are you trying to be more like your competition?

Trying to “fit in” is not a smart business strategy. Conformity is not profitable and frankly it’s no fun either.

Think about it, when you stand out you get noticed more often. And who doesn’t want that? Being vanilla isn’t very appealing. Have you ever heard the expression: Love me or hate me, but don’t ignore me?

Your goal isn’t to attract everyone to your business. In fact some people won’t like what you’re all about and that’s fine. You want to stand for something you believe in and let that attract the people who appreciate it.

Dr. Seuss explains this well: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

People can sense it if you are trying to be something you are not and that’s a turn off. When you stay connected to your one-of-a-kind self, your business can’t help but reflect that in a positive way. And, as it turns out, it’s much easier to market your business when you let your real self show.

What’s more, by being more of yourself, you will be inspired to create original products and services. Consider this quote by Emerson, “A man must consider what a rich realm he abdicates when he becomes a conformist.”

The truth is that you are unique and there is no one else like you. Why not use this to your advantage. Stop trying to be anything other than who and what you are. Don’t be afraid to put away your mask and share the real you.

And that’s not all; people are naturally more attracted to an authentic business rather than a copycat. People have a lot of choices these days; will they choose your business?

Grab a piece of paper and write down all of things about you that make you distinctive. Connect to what you feel deep down inside. Quirky things can be included as well.

If you get stuck, think about things your friends, family, and colleagues have told you about yourself. Next, brainstorm how you can incorporate these things into your business.

Here are some places you can infuse your personality into your business:

- Website copy

- Newsletters

- E-mail signature

- Your photograph

- Your marketing materials

Are you starting to see how being more of you can create an extraordinary business? Start today and begin to bring more of who you are to your company and experience personal joy as well as an increase in your profit.

© 2008 Stephanie Ward

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