My Distinctive Qualities:
Being One of a Kind: Unleashing Your Authenticity as an Entrepreneur
Navigating the entrepreneurial world is a daring, hard-fought journey. It takes courage, determination, and self-knowledge. Every entrepreneur's path is distinct, marked by ups and downs, triumphs and obstacles. Understanding what sets you apart and embracing the uncertainties on this journey can help you find out who you're truly meant to be and show up as your authentic self.
Discover Your True Self
Reflection and Self-Awareness
To uncover what makes you special, take some time to reflect on yourself and become aware of who you are. You can do this through activities like journaling, meditating, or seeking feedback from trusted individuals. The following sections are intended to help you get a better understanding of yourself and your motivations.
Define Your Core Values and Passions
Your values and passions significantly influence the direction of your entrepreneurial journey. Identify the ideals that guide your decision-making and the causes that ignite your enthusiasm. When your business aligns with your values and passions, you create a tangible impact and attract individuals who identify with your mission.
To identify your top five values, visit the Personal Values Assessment, which provides a free online evaluation.
Examine Your Definition of Success
Reflect on your own interpretation of success. One of the main reasons heart-centered entrepreneurs find marketing difficult is because of "comparitis" or feeling inadequate. Though the internet offers countless opportunities, if we're not careful, it can also undermine our confidence, stifle creativity, and negatively affect our business.
That's why it's crucial to define your own understanding of success in order to stay true to yourself. When we compare ourselves to others, we often overlook the fact that we're each comparing different things. We don't see the full picture, and we don't know how others define success, which can be a game-changer because everyone's ultimate goals may differ.
Visualize yourself on your last day alive. How will you measure your own success?
Understand Your Unique Wiring
You are different, but how?
Throughout my journey to learn more about myself, I encountered various personality assessments to help me appeal to clients who resonate with me. They all offered insights into different aspects of myself and my methods of operation.
For example, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator helps you understand your worldview and decision-making process by identifying whether you're more introverted or extroverted, sensing or intuitive, thinking or feeling, and perceptive or judging.
I'm an INFJ (introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging).
Here are some other assessments and tools that help you discover your authentic self:
- Human Design (also check out the 'How to Apply Human Design in Business and Marketing' episode on the Humane Marketing podcast)
- Character Strengths
- Enneagram
- Fascination Advantage
- Sparketype
Stand Out in Business
Create a Genuine Personal Brand
To highlight your uniqueness, focus on building an authentic brand centered on building genuine relationships. Bring your values, personality, and every part of you to your business. Share your journey through emotional stories that connect to your people.
Find Your People
When you have a clear understanding of what makes you unique and bring your whole self into your business, something wonderful happens: you naturally attract the right people. These individuals are those who resonate with your values, your cause, and who you are. They are drawn to the authenticity and passion you bring to the table.
By being true to yourself, you establish a powerful and positive filtering system that repels those who are not aligned with your values. This allows you to concentrate your energy and resources on cultivating relationships with individuals who truly belong in your community.
Seek out your people is not just about building a customer base or network; it's about building a supportive tribe with shared visions and purposes. These individuals will support you, celebrate your victories, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of your business.
For a guide on finding your people, read the post 'Find Your People in Business: A Guide for Entrepreneurs'.
Blur the Lines
Since the industrial revolution, we've crafted a 'work personality' and a 'personal personality.' But guess what? You won't find your people if you wear your work mask.
How do I know? I've done it myself! Read my personal story here.
The definition of work is evolving rapidly. Instead of imagining yourself as a business owner, think of yourself as a person creating a life – and a living. By doing this, you won't step into a stiff 'business owner' role, but simply show up as yourself.
You still maintain a business and make as much money as you desire and need, but the energy is less rigid and more human.
Don't hide your flaws in public; open up and share from your heart in small group settings.
Embrace the Mystical
Another way to blur the lines is to incorporate spirituality into your business.
Spirituality was once seen as taboo in a traditional business setting, but times have changed.
If you are a person of faith or spirituality, there's nothing wrong with bringing more of that to the business world.
For example, I enjoy discussing yoga, astrology, and Human Design – they are essential parts of my daily life.
My other beliefs are in non-linear leaps and bounds, serendipity, and guidance from the universe. These beliefs keep me grounded and provide me with a 'soft belly and a strong back.' My people share similar beliefs.
Honor Ethical Principles
Integrity is vital for a Human Marketer. Every action not only reflects our character but also affects our reputation and that of our clients. That's why we follow the Humane Marketing Creed, which mirrors the standards of B Corporations.
Humane Marketing Creed excerpt:
- We operate our business to make a positive difference and to support ourselves financially.
- We embrace gentleness throughout our business: we treat clients, potential clients, and employees with kindness and empathy.
- We believe in integrity and authenticity: we merely want to be ourselves in order to do our best work. We don't use authenticity as a buzzword. It simply means that we show up as who we are, in integrity.
- We ensure fairness.
- In order to build a sustainable business, we invest in creating community, not just systems.
Read the rest of the Humane Marketing Creed.
In Summary
By answering the question "What makes me unique," you'll connect with the people who understand and resonate with your values, passions, and perspective, ultimately creating a business that reflects your authentic self. Remember, honesty is your superpower in the world of entrepreneurship. Embrace your individuality, stand firm in your values, and let your light guide you as you navigate the marketing landscape with integrity and compassion.
Who am I?
Curious about my background? Here are some details about me, Sarah Santacroce, the founder of Humane Marketing and the Hippie Turned Conscious Business Coach:
I entered the world of online marketing in 2007 and have grown increasingly dissatisfied with the methods we've been taught to market our businesses. In 2019, I launched the Humane Marketing Revolution (originally called 'Gentle Marketing').
Since then, I've created a movement of compassionate marketers, heart-centered entrepreneurs who are committed to marketing differently.
I'm a Swiss national, speak five languages, and grew up in a small Hippie Commune. This means that community is part of my DNA.
My top five core values are:
- Freedom
- Wellbeing
- Personal Growth
- Joy
- Curiosity
As for my personality:
- I'm a rebelling spirit and do business my way.
- I'm a card-carrying introvert and proud of it!
- I'm a Capricorn, Generator (Human Design), Type 4 (Enneagram), INFJ (Myers-Briggs), and HSP (Highly Sensitive Person).
- I'm fierce, like a mama bear: gentle but unyielding, caring yet tough.
- I'm extremely loyal, and all 1:1 clients become good friends.
- I'm intense, in a good way.
Businesswise, I'm known for my care, focus, empathy, industry experience based on numerous failures, love, and expertise. My clients choose to work with me because I'm structured, results-oriented, and 'the real deal.'
I've built a profitable LinkedIn Coaching business and have served over 2000 clients. I've created and sold hundreds of online products and live group and individual workshops. I've written two Amazon Best-sellers: 'Marketing Like We're Human' and 'Selling Like We're Human.'
Now, I'm focused on building a sustainable, enjoyable business that works for me – but more importantly, that works for who I truly am.
I hope that by sharing my story, you gain clarity on your own unique journey.
Further Resources You Might Enjoy
- blog post: 'Authentic Relationships: How to Be Human in Business'
- blog post: 'Find Your People in Business'
- blog post: 'How to Find Your Authentic Self as an Entrepreneur'
- Podcast: 'The Humane Marketing Podcast,' conversations with guests, organized around the 7Ps of Humane Marketing
- Resource: 'The Humane Marketing Glossary: Humane Marketing Words we Love'
- Resource: 'The Humane Business Manifesto' (no opt-in)
- Resource: 'The Humane Marketing Creed' (no opt-in)
- Resource: 'The One-Page Marketing Plan' (email opt-in)
Books
- 'Find Your People,' Jennie Allen
- 'Lingo,' Jeffrey Shaw
- 'Transparency,' Penney Peirce
- 'Marketing Like We're Human,' Sarah Santacroce
- 'Selling Like We're Human,' Sarah Santacroce
Community
The Humane Marketing Circle is our community of compassionate marketers, heart-centered entrepreneurs.
- As a heart-centered entrepreneur, embracing self-awareness and self-discovery can help you define your passions, core values, and unique personal brand, leading to a more authentic and successful business journey.
- To discover your True Self, engage in activities like journaling, meditating, or seeking feedback from trusted individuals. You can also explore personality assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Human Design, Character Strengths, Enneagram, Fascination Advantage, and Sparketype to gain insights into your worldview, decision-making process, and methods of operation.
