05/10/2025
Being authentic isn’t about sharing “everything”.
Oversharing isn’t cool.
While Forrest Gump would dive right straight in from the get-go in his sweet endearing way (and occasionally people would miss their bus though they didn’t stick around much longer than that) we all know that’s not generally how trust and longevity is built.
Especially if you aspire to be a respected, credible brand.
Because of this one important thing audiences need - CONTEXT.
Consider how it works in real life - and notice the similarities to building a personal brand….
STAGE 1 - Life
First you meet someone. - first they need to get to know you - what you’re about, what makes you tick, what’s important to you, your personality - before you share the deeper things.
STAGE 2 - Life
When they “know” you you can share a little bit deeper, because they are open to hearing more - because they are curious and there is a level of “care factor” because of the connection you’ve built.
STAGE 3 - Life
When people have done the journey with you, for a while, seen how you are consistently, feel a level of safety around that, (and equally, you feel “safe” with them) then you can share more intimate details and you also expect more
Building your audience is a just like that.
STAGE 1 - Personal Brand
Start with letting people know….
Who you are
What you do
Why it matters
And how it’s relevant, unique and impactful.
And how you vibe.
STAGE 2 - Personal Brand
Show (don’t tell!) why they can trust you, using stories.
Infuse subtle details that communicate that.
Share more snippets from “behind the scenes”. (This now has context!)
Be a little bit more open, share things that will help you deepen the bond, like you would with someone you know but might not be super close with.
STAGE 3 - Personal Brand
When you have a solid relationship with your audience you can start to share more of the highs and the lows.
Because you’re doing it from a place of CONTEXT.
The highs are not braggy, they are to be celebrated because they have been hard won. People have seen you show up, do the work.
They celebrate you because it inspires them too.
The lows are acknowledged. Because it’s life. Light and shade. Authenticity comes through being able to traverse it all. But again it only has meaning and relevance in the context of other phases which have set the foundations for this depth of connection.
I have a methodology called the Power Combo™️ that I teach in my programs that helps even the most chronic overthinkers make sense of what parts of yourself to share, so it feels safe and authentic for you. Even if you are deeply private.
If you’d like learn it just let me know, happy to share it with you.
Relationship and context build connection.
It’s good for them.
It’s good for you.
And that’s way more effortless and enjoyable for everyone.
Thoughts? I’d love to hear yours👇💛
