Ok, raise your hand if you’re getting a little tired of hearing the word “authentic” when it comes to branding and marketing?  

Friend, I hear you 100%!

That word has been used so often it seems like it’s having the opposite effect of the actual meaning.  

Check yourself before you wreck yourself

When I was just starting my business I felt so insecure and unsure of myself that when I had to write anything I would check to see what other people in my industry were doing first.   Basically, I didn’t want to take full responsibility for doing anything that people might not like.

Yes, they were my words, but I was trying to do and be like everyone else because I didn’t really know how to be myself.  

I was suffering from imposter syndrome…big time!  So, I relied heavily on copying what others in my industry were doing even though it never felt like me.

Back then I wanted to jump on the “authentic” band wagon, but I just didn’t know how to do it without being vulnerable.  

What I later realized is that in order to be authentic you must make yourself vulnerable.  

So, you might be asking yourself, what does being authentic have to do with branding and marketing?  

The answer – everything.

I’m here to tell you that the fastest way to start flexing your authenticity muscles is to develop your unique brand voice.

Why your brand voice matters

We’re in such an exciting time right now.  There is so much opportunity and so many people are starting their own businesses and taking their piece of the entrepreneurial pie.  

The problem is the more people hop on board, the more competitive the landscape becomes.  It gets harder and harder to stand out from what other people are doing in your industry.

The good news?  There are still ways for you to take flight, be successful and still make a powerful impact on the world and in people’s lives.

One way to do this is by using your unique brand voice.  This is what makes us different.

Your brand voice should be, dare I say it, authentic.  

Here’s why it matters –

Your brand voice is what connects you to the people that want to hear what you have to say.  And please trust me when I tell you, you cannot and will not EVER appeal to everyone.  

And this, my friend, is a good thing!

So, hone in on the people that care about what you do.  These are the people that want to connect with what you have to say.   

Do this and you will be a thousand times more successful.

Here are 3 Tips to Develop your Unique Brand Voice

Tip 1.  Understand who you’re talking to

I know, I know…I’ve said it a thousand times, but if you don’t know who you’re talking to your voice will never resonate with anyone.  

Your message will be diluted, unclear and simply uninspiring.  

When you recognize who your people are they will automatically feel more cared for, more trusting and more important.  When they feel recognized you will gain their loyalty.  

So, get clear on who you’re talking to.  Understand what they feel deeply, what they struggle with, what they’re saying to themselves when they’re up at 3a.

Let them know that you understand them and they will instantly feel more connected to you.

Tip 2.  Core Values & Principles

“People don’t buy goods and services.  They buy relations, stories, and magic” – Seth Godin

Do me a favor and answer the questions below:

• What is the motivation behind your brand?  
• Why is your work important to me?
• How will it transform my life if I choose to work with you?

Here’s the thing, if you don’t know the answer to these questions then you’re probably not convincing too many people of why your brand is different.

Everyone has balls in the air.  They’re juggling their family, their friends, their career, their self care, etc.  It goes on. People are busy and selective about what they allow into their lives.  

That means, if you don’t have a compelling reason for someone to notice you then, guess what, they won’t.

If you value what you do then others will value you, too.

Your core values and principals are your story.  And your story should have a direct relationship with your people.

Tell your story with honesty, grit and resolution and you will be heard.

Tip 3.  Communication style and consistency

Now that you know who you’re talking to and what your brand brings to the table, it’s time to put yourself out there and shout from the rooftops!

Use this information to develop your unique brand voice.  

What adjectives can you use to describe your target audience?  

Once you have the words, the tone and the rhythm that resonate with your people you need to connect that to your mission.  

Your job now is to repeat it everywhere and often.  The more consistent you are the more likely you will start to grab the attention of the people you want to attract.  

Be the Change 

All successful entrepreneurs are good at finding their unique brand voice because it comes from having grit.

They’re able to cut through all the noise and can be seen amongst all the clutter because they can fully experience the problem and create a meaningful solution.

As Simon Sinek says, they go beyond profits (the results) and address the why (the purpose, cause, or belief). 

That differentiates you and invites people on your mission.  Always speak from that motivation because,

“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it” -Simon Sinek.

You’re meant to do big things in this lifetime.  Don’t waste your time trying to be like everyone else.

Time to take action!  Tell me if you’re going to try any of these tips or if you have already nailed your unique brand voice.

Comment below.

Can’t wait to hear from you!