Building Authentic Connections: A Guide for Aspiring Influencers

“Authenticity is your most precious commodity as a leader.”?—?Gary Vaynerchuk

As we delve into the world of social media influence, one characteristic stands as pivotal: authenticity. It’s the ability to be genuine, true to oneself, and real that paves the way for an influencer’s success. Why? Because followers crave authenticity, and they are drawn to influencers who consistently show their true selves.

Understanding Authenticity in Influence

Authenticity in the realm of influence is about more than just being yourself?—?it’s about being open, relatable, and honest. It’s about showcasing your personality, sharing your interests and passions, and allowing your audience to feel a connection with you. Authenticity helps build trust, and when followers trust you, they’re more likely to listen to your recommendations, follow your advice, and engage with your content.

Building Trust Through Authenticity

Consider the example of Lizzo, a music artist known for her empowering songs and candid social media presence. Her raw honesty about body positivity and her openness about her journey has won her a fiercely loyal fan base. Her approach is a lesson in authenticity?—?she is unapologetically herself, and her followers love her for it.

Activity: Identify your unique qualities that resonate with your followers. Reflect on how you can bring more of your true self into your content.

Engaging with Followers

An essential part of building authenticity is engaging with your followers. Respond to comments, send personalized messages, and invite interaction through Q&A sessions or live chats. These actions show your followers that you value their input and that there’s a real person behind the profile.

Activity: Schedule regular times for live interactions with your followers or respond to comments on your posts.

Transparency and Vulnerability

Sharing vulnerabilities and being transparent can boost your authenticity. Followers appreciate when influencers openly share their failures or struggles?—?it makes them more relatable. A notable example is the fitness influencer who shares both their triumphs and their challenges in achieving their fitness goals, not just the highlight reel.

Activity: Share a personal story or experience related to your niche. Show your followers that you too have struggles and triumphs, just like them.

Maintaining Authenticity While Growing

As your follower count grows, it can be challenging to maintain the same level of authenticity. It’s crucial to stay grounded and avoid losing the personal touch that drew your followers to you in the first place.

Activity: Regularly revisit your core values and check whether your content aligns with them. If you find yourself straying, re-center and realign your content strategy with what truly matters to you.

In conclusion, building and maintaining authenticity is essential to becoming a successful influencer. Authentic connections with followers are much more valuable than mere numbers. 

Always remember, as Oprah Winfrey once said, “I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I’ve become. If I had, I’d have done it a lot earlier.”

Contact Dr. Tami Patzer at tamisocialmedia@gmail.com

Meet Tami Patzer

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Tamara “Tami” Patzer is the creator of the Authority Footprint Formula and the creator/producer of Beyond of the Best Seller Marketing System.

She helps her clients share their big messages and big missions via book publishing, social media, and mass media exposure to help them have more impact, influence, and income.

She is the creator of the Daily Success® Institute and regularly is a featured guest on podcasts, radio shows and TV news including ABC, NBC, CBS, CW and Fox.

Tami Patzer is the creator and producer of the Daily Success Media Network featuring seven podcasts including Women Innovators, The Daily Success Show, and The Thought Leaders Show. She also is the publisher of international best sellers Beyond the Best Seller and Women Innovators.

Tami is known for her insight into authority marketing and online visibility as well as an educator and advocate for transformational leaders who want to be seen, heard, and found, so that they can make a huge impact, have more influence, and more income.

Her latest project is the Authority Footprint Founders Club. She is the News Category Director at Podcast Magazine and a popular host and guest on many podcasts. Tamara Patzer is a former editor and a member of the Pulitzer-prize nominated Sun Coast Media Group news team for coverage of Hurricane Charley. She is the creator of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Social Media Certification program and is a frequent social media expert guest on TV news programs across the nation.

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