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While vulnerability is all the rage, some people think they would be oversharing if they divulged details about their past experiences. But for coaches, healers, Lightworkers and even therapists, there is a transformation that occurs when you are brave enough to share a bit about your own journey of wellness and resilience.
In the old model of branding, we used to position ourselves as the authorities in our niche by presenting a polished, expert appearance. But in today’s world, we know better. We understand that humans are wired to connect with other humans, and so the best way to reach our tribe is to share our authentic selves, and always be human first.
I experienced the power of this first hand when I gave my first TEDx talk. I was genuinely surprised by the effect of opening up about my past experience with depression and anxiety. Far from making me look weak, it showed great courage and strength to be vulnerable and honest.
Over the years my clients and patients tell me that it was the ONE THING that made them feel comfortable to open up and share even more candidly about their fears, challenges and desires.
This is the power of sharing your personal story with your audience.
Ready to try it yourself? Here are 5 simple tips to get you started sharing your personal story…
#1 Share your whole truth
Your personal story, especially the not-so-pretty parts, allows people to recognize themselves in you. When people can identify with you, they will follow you.
#2 Connect on a human level
From a neurological point of view, humans are wired to connect with each other. Let go of trying to appear perfect online – being human is way more appealing.
#3 Teach with compassion
If you preach from an elevated position you will seem untouchable. But teaching with compassion and sharing your own struggles allows others to open up.
#4 Build trust AND trust the process
Trust that sharing your flaws and not-so-pretty parts of your story will build that connection with your audience. It can feel a little exposing at first, but that openness will bring the right people to you.
#5 Feel that freedom
Apart from making you relatable as a coach, there is a huge personal benefit to sharing your story – it’s so freeing! Step into your authenticity and enjoy the feeling.
When all is said and done, it’s always best to walk your talk. So if you are a coach who encourages others to be themselves, then they need to see you doing that first. Once you start showing up as your authentic self, your tribe will start to find you, and you will feel supported by their presence. This gives you a new confidence that can only help you keep working on your visibility and growth.
ABOUT YOUR HOST, DR. ANDREA PENNINGTON
Image Credit: In Her Image Photography
Dr. Andrea Pennington is a visionary brand strategist, documentary filmmaker, highly acclaimed international TEDx speaker, and global launch activator. She is Founder and Managing Director of Make Your Mark Global, providing soul-inspired entrepreneurs, coaches, healers and Lightworkers with personal and professional development training. With a focus on launching new brands into the global marketplace she provides personal branding, media production and TED talk preparation and Keynote speech development.
Dr. Andrea’s AUTHENTIC Personal Branding Bootcamp and Stories with Soul LifeWriting workshop are popular among authors and her Speak from the Heart & VIP Speaker Circle public speaking workshops are bestselling events. All of Dr. Andrea’s programs combine professional training and personal development with global connection and community which empowers emerging Luminaries to network and collaborate for greater impact.
Dr. Andrea is also an integrative physician and neuropsychologist who has shared her candid, empowering insights on vitality and resilience on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Dr. Oz Show, iTV This Morning, CNN, the Today Show, LUXE-TV, Thrive Global and HuffingtonPost and as a news anchor for Discovery Health Channel. She also produced a documentary series entitled Simple Steps to a Balanced Natural Pregnancy.
Dr. Andrea’s most recent TEDx explores the winding path she took to overcome depression to arrive at self-love features her singing an original song. As shared in her first inspiring TEDx talk entitled ‘Become Who You Really Are’, Andrea candidly explains that overcoming a long history of hidden depression and anxiety came via an out-of-body near death-like experience which allowed her to break free to love and express her authentic self.