“Risk being seen in all of your glory”. These words resonated most with me during Jim Carrey’s recent commencement speech. Words that apply to so much – in both life and in the work we do.
In my experience working with everyone from coffee shops to Fortune 500 companies, there’s a common hesitation to fully embrace the core values and beliefs the brand possesses.
This stems from a lack of understanding as to what those core values are – or perhaps confusion around target market – or often times it’s simply the fear of isolating your brand and potentially losing customers, fans, or followers.
But wouldn’t you rather risk being seen in all your glory – by those who matter – those who are most important, than to play it safe for the sake of appeasing a wider audience?
I once worked with a faith-based nonprofit organization who was afraid of using the word “Jesus” at the risk of losing support from non-believers. It’s certainly valid to consider how you communicate your message – but with faith being a core component of the brand, I told them it was silly to hide behind being politically correct while losing a key component of the brand’s integrity.
Being seen in all of your glory means shouting from the rooftops who you are and what you represent. If you’re a life-coach, it’s okay to share personal details of your struggle with depression. If you’re selling a premium product – it’s okay to target a higher-end audience that values luxury, even if it means losing the value-based market. If you’re a nonprofit that supports LBGT youth, don’t be afraid to share your impact, even at the risk of losing conservative support.
Risk being seen in all of your glory. That’s how you’ll inevitably stand out. That’s what will live in the hearts and minds of of your most captive audience.