Speak from the Heart

The role and importance of honesty and sincerity in business.

Back when the internet was new and online dating was hazardous to your health, I posted a personal ad on AOL. I had just moved to New York City, knew no one and figured "why not?" 

After several scary blind dates (In 1994, normal people where hard to find on the internet, much less women) I made one last effort and wrote a personal ad that came straight from the heart. I spoke about my wants and needs, my dreams, and what I was looking for in a soul mate. It was eloquent, it was unvarnished but most of all, it was sincere. The response was AMAZING. But that story is for a different blog entirely. 

Fast forward to 2010. After starting and running my own marketing and graphic design company for 4 years, I've come to realize is that what I'm really REALLY good at is graphic design. So if I wanted to grow my "marketing" company, I needed help. I needed a partner who complemented my skills. A professional marketing planner/strategist to match my creative executions. Someone who (Please forgive the Tom Cruise quote) "completes me." So again, I posted an online ad for a business partner and again I spoke about my goals, my needs, my ideal business mate, all from the heart. And once again the response was amazing! 

I now have a few people to collaborate with and hopefully score some new business with. There have always been contacts I've made whom I knew needed more than what I could provide, but with my new-found friends, I can now give them a shot! 

But getting back to the point I was trying to make - Sincerity stands out; honesty encourages trust; and having the confidence to risk bearing one's soul can be inspiring and highly attractive - to just the right people. 

Though these are just two examples, I've found this to be true in situations through out my adult life. Marketing copy, press releases, headlines and taglines...they all have a time and place. But every once in a while, its best to just speak from the heart and let the power of authenticity strengthen your relationships and help you build new ones.

Comments

[Mistina]

You're so right on so many levels. It can be scary putting yourself out there like that. And many people fear how others will react. Honesty and authenticity serve both personal and professional brands well. By being yourself, you can stand out because no one else is just like you. (I'm pretty sure I read that in a Dr. Seuss book, as well as in Gary Vaynerchuk's Crush It, but it's still true.)

Thanks for sharing this post.

[fred cohen]

Ramon Gil- I have been watching you grow your
business for 3yrs.From the MCC to networking
events. One customer at a time. Keep up the
good work !

[Leslie]

Good for you!
And I would love to read the blog about the response to both ads! Especially the first one. :)

[Serena Hicks]

Well said! Thank you for this.

[freshconcentrate]

Thanks everyone! Hope all is well!

[Giselle Ulmo]

Ramon it seems you have come full circle and you have put yourself out there and working on the things you love. I also find when you could be honest with people they are more open. Thanks for inspiring us.
Giselle Ulmo