Maintaining a strong sense of self-esteem can be both challenging and essential. Whether you’re a business owner, a professional, or an entrepreneur, it's crucial to understand that not everyone will resonate with who you are or what you offer. After all, success in business isn’t about pleasing everyone. It’s about embracing what makes you unique and finding your specific audience.
After understanding that not everyone will appreciate or need what you offer, and being comfortable with that, you can focus on identifying and engaging with clients who align with your values and who benefit most from your services. This creates a more rewarding professional relationship. One of the important steps to finding your tribe is making sure your website, social media, and marketing materials clearly articulate what makes you different. When you communicate your value effectively, you naturally attract clients who appreciate your unique approach.
My Journey to Authentic Branding
My mentor in the USA always says, you attract what you show, and that is very real. Nowadays, when someone is filling in the contact form on my website, they clearly point to two aspects of my service. One is that I make everyone look their best, the second is that they are looking to appear confident in front of the camera and they know I can achieve that. This is not a fortuitous coincidence. At the beginning of my journey, I took this path unconsciously because it resonated with who I am and my life experiences. Later, I designed my brand with that in mind.
I would like to share with you my personal experience related to this. By chance, I realised that I am a “beauty seeker”; everything and everyone that I capture must be presented through a certain level of aesthetic. I like to show the best version of everything and everyone. I wasn’t aware of this until one English guy asked me: “Why do you make Africa beautiful?” Beyond the odd question, which we can scrutinise on many levels, and after being astonished by this observation, I detached myself from my emotions and realised that he saw a characteristic in me that I was oblivious to. His observation was accurate; I wasn’t photographing Africa as the mass media tirelessly showed it. While we may think there is nothing remarkable about us, others see us in a different way because they don’t have the same abilities that we have to offer. One good exercise to reveal your blind spots is to ask people you know what you are good at. You will be surprised to discover qualities that you were never aware you had. This will help you to define your uniqueness and what your clients are looking for. You are not for everyone; you are for a group of people that need what you have to offer.
Also, it is important to clearly define your professional boundaries. Know what you are willing to compromise on and what you aren’t. This helps in maintaining your integrity and self-respect. When we are feeling demotivated with our work and even resentful, it is because we were not setting boundaries, or we were not reinforcing them to be respected by others. I love the story of Peter Lindbergh, my top favourite photographer, which makes this point very clear. Once, Vogue magazine (prior to Anna Wintour's time) asked Peter Lindbergh why he always refused to work with them. He replied that he didn’t like the type of women that the magazine was publishing (a “rich wife” style). So, they gave Lindbergh the freedom to choose the models, location, and style he wanted. He chose a group of new models, dressed them in just white shirts, took them to the beach, and made some candid shots. Back at Vogue, the editor told him that he didn’t know what to do with these photos and rejected them. Peter Lindbergh replied, “That’s why I don’t work with Vogue.” Both went their separate ways. Then, six months later, Anna Wintour arrived at Vogue and discovered those photos. Peter Lindbergh started to work for Vogue on his own terms, and the models he chose became the supermodels of the 90s. He changed our vision and aesthetics. Anna Wintour was astute enough to see his talent. Both were a powerful force that revolutionised the fashion industry.
At the beginning of my career, I didn’t know that I could let go of people that weren’t a good fit for me. Then, I learned that I am happier, and my work is much better when I work for people who resonate with my vision and values. Otherwise, I let them go; they belong to someone else.
Practical Strategies for Maintaining Self-Esteem in Business
Curate Your Brand: Showcase what you are genuinely proud of. Highlight your achievements, case studies, or successful projects that reflect your unique strengths. This not only attracts the right clients but also reinforces your self-esteem.
Effective Communication: Be transparent and clear in your communication with clients and colleagues. Setting the right expectations from the start reduces misunderstandings and builds trust.
Invest in Growth: Continuously seek opportunities for professional development that align with your interests and strengths. This keeps your skills sharp and your confidence high.
Network Authentically: Build connections with other professionals who share your values and vision. Authentic networking can lead to meaningful collaborations and support systems that enrich your professional journey.
Celebrate Your Wins: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. This can be a completed project, positive feedback from a client, or a personal achievement. Recognising your wins boosts your morale and motivates you to keep moving forward.
As a professional navigating the complexities of the business world, it's vital to remember that you are not for everyone, and everyone is not for you. Embracing your uniqueness and staying authentic will not only distinguish you in your field but also lead to more fulfilling and meaningful work. By aligning with your true self, you attract clients and opportunities that are genuinely right for you.
Let’s celebrate the art of being authentic in both business and life.
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Thank you for reading.
Bye for now.