Being Transparent ~ Let Them See Who You Really Are!

The woman's heart and her thoughts plus picture all lined up making a beautiful point...Nothing to be said except perhaps...... will you....JOIN HER?    I'm in!

Going all the way back to my high school days I've never pretended to be anyone other than who I am, flaws and all. I do a good job of not crossing the line of being too open though. No one wants to hear about your dirty laundry on social media. 

I think you hit a home run here.  Transparency is huge in today's world of social media.  I learned years ago to be myself online and we've attracted many, many quality clients over the years from it.  Excellent message here.  

Hi Paula, We are who we are and attempts to be someone or something else will backfire.  Thanks for the reminder. 

You've articulated exactly why I left my last career and began this one.

Sometimes when I'm out with buyers' on a first tour, a slang word or phrase will slip out about a property (so many of the properties or sub-neighborhoods where I work are sketchy in one way or another).    When I then apologize in case I've offended, usually the buyers laugh and say "No! We love it - bring it on!"    Immediately, we've moved onto a new level where we can say exactly what we think.     

I love your phrase, I would rather be known as a smart business woman who is down to earth and approachable.  

Paula,  everything in your post is right on target.  Being genuine is the only way to be in all the facets of life.

Paula McDonald ~ frame this post, I know I am! It is so much easier when we're transparent. In the long run, short run and everything in between "not only is it better for us, but it is also better for the client, too

I think there is that balance between being proffesional looking and competent while at the same time being open, honest and having integrity.

Great post, Paula!  Thank you for being transparent!  I would much rather be 'me' than trying to Super Agent. I can honestly say that a very high percentage of my clients have become my friends.  I'm a lucky gal! 

Being yourself is good for business, it's a lot more fun, and it sure is less stressful than trying to be what you're not. There's a quote... and I'm sorry I forgot who said it:

"Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken." 

Excellent post Paula! It's much easier to be yourself regardelss of what others think, it's also important to remember we are not here to please everyone, that's impossible. Those who choose to be our clients and/or friends do it because they can relate to us, trust us..whatever the reason might be. 

Paula - Great post. I am who I am, and I don't pretend to be anything else.

Great post and Lenn, #21, again sums it up best IMO.

I am not one to exaggerate or lie, but will allow enough of myself to be exposed as necessary to the business.  Deep personal is always kept tight.  I don't want everyone to know what cereal I like

Paula, I had a new client tell me yesterday he likes my honesty he sees online.

It's the best way to develop lasting relationships.

I think another good attribute is being able to laugh at yourself.

A super post I came across among the many archieves and frequent bloggers. Thanks for being apart of Active Rain.-

I just found this but I'm with you 100%. I have always been who I am and I get many compliments from folks who appreciate it.