The path that led me to do what I’m doing right now was not always pretty.

It likely wasn’t for you either.

But it’s exactly those “messy” moments and experiences that you need to share with your ideal prospects.

This is what makes your message incredibly powerful and helps you attract the best clients.

I refer to this as “finding the message in your mess.”

Your marketing message functions to pull prospects in, over anyone else out there who does a similar “thing” as you.

This goes beyond the typical “elevator pitch.”

We’re talking about being boldly authentic and transparent.

I’ve always been pretty open about my ups and downs, but recently I have deliberately been more transparent in my conversations with people.

I was astounded that the more open I was, not just about the good, but about the bad and ugly, the more rewarded I was in income and clients..

But what was really eye-opening to me was how this affected the level of trust people have in me, the amount of inspiration it gave to them, and the sheer gratitude people expressed to me when I shared those “messy” moments and stories.

Now, I’m not saying you need to be a wide-open book about everything in your life.

What I am saying is to start by taking a few steps in this direction. What can you share with your community, your prospects, and your clients that would bond them to you and inspire them?

That will offer them some comfort that if they’ve screwed up, or failed, or aren’t perfect all the time, that it’s OK. That others go through the same things too.

Yes, even very “successful” people.

It’s about breaking down walls and being real. I believe we all crave that. (Being vulnerable does NOT equal being weak.)

Best-selling author and researcher Brene Brown says: “In our culture, we associate vulnerability with emotions we want to avoid such as fear, shame, and uncertainty. Yet we too often lose sight of the fact that vulnerability is also the birthplace of joy, belonging, creativity, authenticity, and love. When we dare to drop the armor that protects us from feeling vulnerable, we open ourselves to the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.”

Imagine people who are a joy to work with because they resonate with you, respect your journey (even with its messes), and most of all, trust you.

You speed up your success when you come from an authentic place.

You’ll stand out from the crowd. You’ll be able to define the benefits of your services from a truly authentic place.

And, being known, liked and trusted trumps almost everything else when it comes to making the kind of money you want to make.

Nothing will create the know, like and trust factor faster than being the authentic you. And what do we know about authenticity? Is it always pretty?

No!

I want you know that that’s ok.

So try this. Take a little risk. Shake it up and go the opposite way of the masses and take steps toward being more real, more YOU. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.