Internet Marketing and Stage Fright
Who would listen to you if you dared to be yourself on the Internet?
For most of us, that’s a scary question. We write to sell. We design to get attention. And we develop mobile apps to make life easier for everyone else. We all have our goals and ulterior motives, but we each also have a distinct personality and a unique imagination. So why do we sound and look the same online?
We sound similar because we’re afraid to step out of the audience and onto the stage of authenticity. Everyone may not agree with our blog posts. Someone may poorly review our “About Us” pages. User-friendliness may not win-over each and every visitor. So we recoil to safer and more secure expression.
My story: I’m a singer. I spent years trying to sound like other baritones. When I met voice coach Barbara Schlageter, she asked, “Why are you mocking Ezio Pinza? Your voice is nothing like his.” I was devastated at first, but I had to learn a very quick lesson: my voice was the only one she was willing to accept.
If you want to break free from the drones of web branding, ask yourself (and answer) two questions… What intrinsically motivates you? Is that your passion? Consider RSA Animate’s video on why questions like these are so important. The end reveals intriguing points about the root of motivation.
Passion turns any online presentation into a fun playground. So relax. Speak, write or draw from your heart. And allow unadulterated authenticity to build your business. Sure you have to sell what you sell, but do so by embracing your own personality, and you’ll build something greater than success.
Leave sounding like everyone else to karaoke with the shower head mic.