In an age where social media has become a prominent platform for business and marketing, the notion of authenticity often takes center stage. As an entrepreneur looking to embark on the journey of building a business on social media, it’s crucial to understand the significance of authenticity in connecting with your audience, fostering trust, and ultimately achieving success.
Authenticity means being true to oneself and genuinely connecting with others. It’s about sharing your story, values, and passions in a way that resonates with your audience.
In a recent episode of the If You Know, You Know podcast, Kayla Ybanez, a former network marketer turned custom business strategist, shared invaluable insights on the importance of authenticity in building a business on social media.
Kayla’s journey into entrepreneurship was inspired by personal challenges, particularly her daughter’s health issues. This experience led her to realize the value of her social media marketing skills and paved the way for her to help others while caring for her daughter. Through her story, Kayla emphasizes the power of authenticity and the impact of genuine connections in the realm of social media business.
1. Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks
Kayla candidly shares how hitting rock bottom removed her fear and propelled her to take risks. This insight is a powerful reminder for aspiring entrepreneurs that embracing vulnerabilities and challenges can lead to breakthrough moments.
Taking risks and showing vulnerability, rather than presenting a polished facade, can forge strong connections with your audience.
2. Building Trust through Storytelling
Storytelling is a fundamental aspect of authenticity in business. Kayla stresses the importance of connecting with others’ stories rather than making it all about oneself.
Sharing relatable experiences and engaging narratives creates a sense of trust and empathy, laying the foundation for meaningful relationships with potential customers.
3. Genuine Engagement and Understanding
Authenticity in social media business extends beyond self-presentation; it encompasses genuine engagement and understanding of your audience’s needs and desires. Kayla encourages entrepreneurs to authentically engage with others, emphasizing that understanding their stories can help tailor marketing content.
This fosters a sense of community and demonstrates a sincere commitment to meeting the wants and needs of your audience.
4. Embracing Imperfections and Authenticity
Kayla’s discussion of social media content being curated to serve its purpose, and her candid attempts at creating aesthetic content, highlights the dichotomy of highly curated versus raw and real content.
Embracing imperfections and finding the balance between curated and authentic content is freeing and necessary for success in the competitive realm of social media business.
5. The Impact of Unethical Practices and the Need for Regulations
Kayla also addresses the significant number of individuals engaged in direct marketing, network marketing, and social selling as a means of earning a living.
While the majority are good people, there have been instances of unethical practices, emphasizing the need for rules and regulations in the industry. This emphasizes the importance of conducting business with integrity and transparency.
In today’s landscape of social media, the consensus is clear – authenticity is the cornerstone of success.
Building a business on social media requires a genuine, transparent, and relatable approach that resonates with your audience.
Kayla’s insights shed light on the power of authenticity in storytelling, engagement, and content creation, ultimately paving the way for sustained growth and meaningful relationships with customers.
As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, remember that authenticity sets you apart, builds trust, and fosters connections that can propel your business to new heights.
Embrace your vulnerabilities, share your story, and connect with your audience on a genuine level. In the words of Kayla Ibanez, “Being authentic and true to oneself is freeing and necessary for success in the industry.”
