In the music industry where authenticity often takes a backseat to manufactured personas, Lewis Capaldi has become the world's most famous unlikely pop star. Not only that, he has given us all a lesson on what it means to be ourselves. His unfiltered, self-deprecating humour and genuine personality have captivated audiences worldwide. Capaldi is an unlikely pop star, as he doesn't fit the usual 'heartthrob' mould. However, his unique personality and authenticity have helped propel him to new heights in his career. This isn't just a refreshing change in the music industry but also a powerful, uncontrived way of marketing himself and creating connections with his fan base. In this blog post, I will explore how Capaldi's genuine approach, combined with his unconventional image, has shaped his career and provides valuable lessons for business owners who seek to create authentic connections without hiding behind their brands - something which I know I need to do more of.
Show Your Humanity, Flaws and All
Capaldi's self-deprecating humour and down-to-earth personality have endeared him to millions. His willingness to embrace imperfections breaks down barriers between artist and fan, making him incredibly relatable. I'm not suggesting you start discussing your bowel movements publicly or don a shell suit like Capaldi but as business owners, we can draw inspiration from Capaldi's approach by infusing authenticity and humour into our brand communications. By showing up as ourselves and not what we think the audience wants to see, we can create a stronger connection. John Jantsch said, "Branding is the art of becoming knowable, likeable, and trustable." What better way for customers to get to know you than by showing your face and your true self, flaws and all? The truth is, it's often hard to trust a really slick, polished image. It can get boring and unrelatable. I'm not saying throw away your brand identity and strategy but be yourself. When I was branding my business, I was really worried that my brand was "too feminine" or not corporate enough and that I might not be taken seriously by potential clients. It was then that I received some really sound advice to be myself because this is my business, to make it my own and for it to reflect me as a person and a creative. If you are a business owner, there is a reason you are in business for yourself and not for others. I know I have always loved the idea of being the captain of my own ship. If you own the ship, make it your own. Be yourself in your business and let your personality shine through. If you are funny, don't hide it. If you have a bubbly personality, show it. Maybe it’s the dialect or accent you use? Don’t try to hide it. After all, what makes your business different from your competitors is you. By being ourselves, flaws and all, we can relate to our ideal customers much more than a polished and ‘perfected' version of ourselves. By not hiding behind a polished brand persona but instead showcasing our true selves, we become more approachable and relatable to our audience, creating a brand that people love and trust.
Have a Genuine Social Media Presence
Capaldi's authenticity extends beyond his music to his social media platforms. He shares candid moments from his everyday life, fostering a sense of inclusivity and building a genuine connection with his fans. As business owners, we should leverage social media to showcase our authenticity. Personally, I struggle with this - I dread having my picture taken and cringe at the thought of talking on camera for social media or any other reason for that matter. I know this is a hurdle I need to overcome myself. I'm not suggesting we all become influencers but showing up as ourselves and showing our faces, even in small snippets, can really help build connections. Having a more genuine and human touch to our brand can make a huge difference. The age-old saying stays true: "People sell to people." By being transparent, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, engaging with our audience and not hiding behind polished posts, we can build a loyal community that sees and appreciates the real people behind the business and helps our businesses reach our ideal customers.
Strive for Progress, Not Perfection
Capaldi's success challenges conventional beauty standards and industry norms, proving that authenticity can flourish outside predefined moulds. As business owners, it's crucial to embrace our uniqueness and offer something different. Instead of fixating on perfection, we should aim for progress in our businesses. If we wait until everything is flawless before launching, we may never take that leap. We must start where we are, confidently showcasing our business and ourselves and allowing our authenticity to shine. Remember, "done is always better than perfect."
By sharing our journey and avoiding the trap of presenting a manufactured image, we attract customers who appreciate our authenticity and distinctiveness. Customers love to be part of the journey, from the early stages to success. It reminds me of Indie bands who’s fans knew their music before they reached mainstream success and are proud to have been there from the start. It can be really daunting to reveal the imperfect aspects of our business or ourselves. However, I am challenging myself to be more proactive and not wait for perfection. As the saying goes, "practice makes perfect."
Of course, we will all make mistakes along the way but Capaldi's journey serves as a powerful reminder that authenticity is not only refreshing in any industry but also vital in forging genuine and enduring connections with our customers. Let's break free from the burden of taking ourselves too seriously and embrace our true selves. By doing so, we can connect authentically with our audience and create a lasting impact.
In conclusion, Lewis Capaldi's journey exemplifies the power of authenticity in the entertainment industry and beyond. His unfiltered humour, genuine personality and willingness to embrace imperfections have endeared him to millions and inspired business owners to create genuine connections. By showing our humanity, flaws, and all, having a genuine social media presence and striving for progress rather than perfection, we can build strong and lasting relationships with our audience. Let us embrace our uniqueness, break free from manufactured personas and let our true selves shine in our brands and businesses.
If you are searching for a brand identity that truly reflects your business, enquire today. We will work closely with you to craft an authentic brand that reflects your unique vision and resonates with your audience.
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