I’ll admit:

I get my jollies seeing these social media guru types and their shenanigans.

So when one of this bizarre breed posted in my LinkedIn feed about “transparency” and “authenticity”, I got to thinking…

First, I fear those are becoming buzz words and rapidly losing all meaning.  Second, it’s ridiculous that anyone would need help on how to be authentic.  Third, he claims he’s the same guy whether he’s on social media, or with friends, or with the in-laws, or with clients.

Newsflash: that’s not transparency.

That’s insanity.

I’m no shrink but that might even make you a bit of a sociopath.

(Yes I realize a few emails ago I encouraged transparency.  I never meant TOTAL transparency.  Please…for all of our sakes, keep some mystery.  Go here if you want the gist of that lovely message: The Howard Stern method of dealing with critics)

Psychologists know well we all wear different personas.

It’s healthy.  It’s called being socially aware.  It’s true that as I get older, I’m less inhibited and more likely to speak my mind (and not give a crap about it either)…but there’s still work Conor, Dad Conor, spending time with buddies Conor, on a date Conor, etc.

If they were identical it would lead to some interesting outcomes I bet.

Besides that, what he’s pushing is patently false.

All of the big social media types are doing some kind of persona.

Marketing gurus, celebrities, well-known business people – all have deliberate and well-managed public images (and they often pay consultants big bucks to help them with this).   It’s not that they’re not being themselves; it’s that they’re amplifying certain aspects of their personality to suit the brand or image they’ve – key word – strategically chosen to create.

Teach that.

Not this other garbage.

Thus, let it be said The Muscle is not an “influencer”.  Don’t be influenced.  I’m a corruptor.  Be corrupted.  It’s much more profitable, let me assure you.  Mindless gurus like this – if you let them influence you – will have you spinning your wheels faster than a sports car in a blizzard.

Instead, create a persona people enjoy.

(So says, ahem…The Muscle.)

This is naught more complicated than putting the spotlight on selected parts of you (which are yet true to you…just maybe pumped up a bit for dramatic effect) and weave this thread throughout the narrative of your marketing.  Your personal uniqueness then becomes like a trademark that stamps all of your messaging and helps you stand out.

Besides, if you have to keep reminding everyone you’re authentic, is that still authentic?

Alright, rant over.

Bottom line:

Never email while under the “influence”.

If you’d like to profit from my corrupt ways…

And get done-for-you emails that feel authentic to you but nevertheless sell you better than “having-beers-with-friends” you…

Let’s start with a “no-fuss” Free Brainstorm Call.

Come over to the Dark Side here:

http://calendly.com/conorkel/emailincome

Note that I’m not available to start projects right away (as I’m busy with my other clients’ projects), so the sooner we figure out if it’s a fit, the sooner we can get your awesomeness into the queue.

That’s my bit for today.

Happy Influence-Resisting,

Conor Kelly

a.k.a. The Muscle @ Marketing Muscle