In the world of personal branding, it’s easy to fall into the trap of becoming a character and losing the essence of who we really are. This phenomenon can have negative consequences for both the person and their audience. I see more and more people falling into this trap. Politicians who are more obsessed with “Instagram-politics” than with managing well. Professionals and entrepreneurs who succeed… and then begin to change and develop a character. Unsuccessful professionals who try to project an image of a character that they are not. I could give some real examples but I’d rather you imagine them yourself. I’m sure you know what I mean.
In this post, I wanted to share some reflections to avoid letting the character consume the person.
The temptation of the character
Creating a character may seem like an effective strategy to stand out in a saturated market. A charismatic and attractive character can quickly capture the public’s attention, increasing followers and visibility on social media. However, this tactic has a significant cost. Often, the person is more focused on the character than on doing their job well, enjoying what they do or living in the momento.
Emotional disconnection
When the character becomes more prominent than the real person, an emotional barrier is created. The audience may be attracted to the character, but this connection is superficial and lacks the depth needed to build lasting and meaningful relationships.
The exhaustion of acting
Maintaining a constant facade is emotionally exhausting. Living behind a mask can lead to internal confusion about true identity and, in extreme cases, mental health problems. Authenticity is key to emotional well-being and a sustainable personal brand.
Reputational vulnerability
If people discover that the character is just a facade, the damage to reputation can be devastating. In an era that values transparency and authenticity, the exposure of a false identity can be a blow from which it is difficult to recover.
Examples of bad practice
- Social media influencers: Many influencers create exaggerated characters to attract followers. However, when their actions do not match their character, they lose credibility and followers.
- Celebrities: Some celebrities adopt public characters that do not reflect their true personality. This can lead to a disconnection with their fans and a negative perception when the truth comes to light.
- Business professionals: Executives who project an image of success and perfection may face problems when their employees discover that this image is not authentic, affecting morale and trust in leadership.
Maintaining authenticity
To avoid letting the character consume the person, it is crucial to maintain authenticity. Here are some tips:
- Be true to yourself: Build your personal brand around your true values and personality.
- Offer real value: Instead of focusing on appearance, concentrate on providing valuable content and experiences to your audience.
- Build genuine relationships: Interact with your audience in an authentic and meaningful way. Be true to your way of being.
- Review your brand: Frequently compare what you convey to others and how you are perceived with your authentic self. Ensure there are not too many discrepancies between who you really are and the image you project to others.
In summary, although creating a character may seem like an effective short-term marketing strategy, authenticity and transparency are essential for long-term sustainable success. DON’T LET THE CHARACTER CONSUME THE PERSON; maintain your essence and connect genuinely with your audience. I end with a quote from Wayne Dyer – an American psychologist and writer – that I love and summarizes the central idea of this post:
“I’d rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I’m not.”