Be Authentic
MFCEO 011 The Business of Being Yourself
Andy recounts the point that early days social media posting went from averaging 3 likes per post, to 3,000.
Be Authentic
The 1000x increase in engagement is directly linked to when you STOP posting what you think everyone wants to hear - i.e. vanilla - and your START posting ‘content;’ that is Authentic to your Self.
Importantly - this does not mean mimicking another successful ‘authentic’ social media / podcaster / internet influence - it means being your Authentic Self - whatever that is.
A parallel:
No cover band ever got into the rock and roll Hall of Fame.
Never be:
We’re like Uber, but better (in this way…)
We’re like (Competitor X), but cheaper…
That is the kid of death to your brand or business.
For Architects this is especially true - NEVER say of yourself/your practice that you are like this practice only better in this way …. or like this practice only cheaper…
It can be challenging to amass the self esteem to feel confirmable being authentic, and that is OK - in fact it has to be that way.
Self Esteem has to be earned - do the work - then you get the right to feel good about yourself.
Live with a Clear Conscience
This can be achieved by:
Make your mistakes quickly
Learn your lesson
then Move On
Or:
When you screw up (when, not if!) Own it
Fix It
then Move On
Do not be a politician!
Meaning: do not say: “I regret that bad choices were made” - No Passive Language.
Do not fall into the trap of saying “I made a mistake”, then excuses, them “I’ll get it fixed”.. then it repeats.
Active Language: I Screwed Up.
Be an adult - Fix the Problem
If you hurt someone - Apologise
Identify Core Values and Live By Them
Core Values are a core concept that will be referred to personally, and in the context of your Company over the entirety of the Project.
Your Person Core Values and your Companies Core Values should be One and the Same.
> MFA Worksheet 012: My Core Values
(Link coming soon! Paid subscriber MFA universe is currently in development. Watch this space!)
Why uncover and live by your core values?
Andy has 10 (for his Fitness / Supplement Company)
Go the Extra Mile
Stay Humble
Be Disciplined
Accept Responsibility
Take Initiative
Build Positive and Fun Relationships
Always Be Learning
Be Selfless
Be Enthusiastic
Believe
Core Values all should tie-in to each other.
i.e.:
Decisions should be made in reference to your Core Values
Hiring Staff should be guided by your Core Values
Firing Staff should be guided by your Core Values
Making Money should be in alignment with your Core Values
When you stand for something, others identify with that and believe in you.
Refer to your Core Values in every conversation. They help guide you when you get off track. Undecided on Option A or B?
Check Options against your core values.
In the architectural space, this extends to client fit. Fence sitting on taking on a new client? Project aspirations? A clients personal aspirations? Their personal VALUE system? Refer to your Core Values.
The best part about a yearly articulated set of core values is this :
wether it is dealing with criticism, ‘haters’, of your creative work, or potential clients / mentees that don’t fit your values of are pushing back.
The goal is to only have a clientele / tribe of people that are truly ALIGNED with YOUR values
That is why it is So invaluable to be authentic to yourself and your values. You will attract with MAGNETISM those that truly align, and REPEL those who do not. THIS IS A GREAT THING!
The pinnacle oft-cited example is Harley Davidson: If your crew is getting tattoos of your brand - for passion alone - you are completely insulated from all competition.
Go be great. Do it by being yourself. That is how you will crush it.