On Authenticity

On Authenticity

As a small business owner, marketing advice abounds. Particularly plentiful these days is advice on internet marketing. Have you seen this type of sales pitch? Typically a long scrolling page, building a case for how much you need a product. Periodically a link to “order now” and then more strong content telling you how the product will fix your outlook on life, lead you to a remarkable love life, show you the sure-fire way to lose weight, and yes, even guarantee you instant interviews and job offers.

My “watch-out” meter goes wild with these pitches, and yet, guess what, I have purchased a few. Afterwards I realize that it isn’t the magic bullet, fix-it and cure-all that the author has claimed. More often than not it is pretty standard fare; sometimes even a rip-off. Every once in a while though, the product is excellent. Although never a cure-all, some information is worth paying for.

Too bad it’s so hard to tell which is the snake-charmer/liar, and which is a truthful, caring business, actually wanting to improve your life, your work, your health…

I think it’s the ones that promise the impossible that you have to beware of; those that promise perfect health, lots of job offers, instant weight loss. And the ones that have good information to share are the ones offering answers to particular questions, as opposed to a one-stop, cure-all, for all.

For me, authenticity is important. I must live with my decisions, and be accountable to myself, my family, my clients. As a business owner I guarantee that I will do my very best for each client. I continue to add to my knowledge with additional professional training. I stand behind my product, and I support my clients’ efforts. Every client who returns with questions, unmet expectations or comments is listened to, and answered, supported, helped. Many return for updates as time passes and their career-itch returns! That is my reward for authentically supporting my clients’ career needs.

Indecision

My eldest daughter, Katie, recently published her first newsletter. (subscribe at katie.cher.com) She is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, who keeps her family, and others, healthy, and she is also a Certified Lifestyle Coach. In her newsletter, she asks, "Is failure not reaching a goal, or is not attempting it in the first place?" Good question.As a resume writer, I often have clients who are toying with the idea of changing careers. Far too often they don't even try. I've decided, now that I'm on the other side of that great divide, i.e. 50 years of age, that life is quite simply too short to "not try."

I finally figured out "what I want to be when I grow up" when I hit 45. Somehow I'd always known that I was destined to be a late bloomer. But once the writing bug had me, it had me good. Truth is, I always dreamed of writing so it wasn't perhaps a total surprise. My eldest daughter also says that people's daydreams about writing, the interest in real estate, the bookshelf full of interior design, or the massive collection of old movies - these may indeed be an indication of our "calling." They may be a nudge from our Maker, the whisper in our ear of where our strengths will be put to use, of how our interests will spur our impact or success (I hesitate to use the word "success" as too often it is associated with monetary success and I do not intent that meaning here), of the best place for our innate abilities to be of use ... from where our fountain of energy (if not youth, alas!) will overflow.

What's the worst that can happen if you try - you fail...and along the way you undoubtedly learn, meet new folks, realize something about yourself; not all bad things. And the best? You will soar like a hawk upon the updrafts - enjoying life with wild abandon, experiencing success, reveling in your abilities, finally feeling fulfilled and useful.Indecision is nothing more than failure to act. Without action there will be no failure - and no success. The choice is yours.