Keeping things authentic for your home-based business is a more “official” way of saying that you are keeping things real–authenticity means that you are trustworthy, reliable and operating in a genuine and above-board way. Nothing inspires customer loyalty like knowing that you are genuine and authentic (and that your products or services are genuine and authentic too). Authenticity is one of those positives that , when incorporated into your business efforts, can pay off in terms of customer trust and loyalty.
There is a reason words and phrases like “all natural,” “genuine” and “completely real” are used so often in marketing and promotion campaigns. These words say something to customers and convey the image that your business is completely on the up-and-up. Doing what you say you will, keeping your word, and offering authentic services and products make it pretty tough for customers to find anything to complain about., or at least they will not be calling your reputation or service delivery into question. It is a good place to start when it comes to building a solid business reputation.
If customers cannot wrap up what you sell or do in a sentence or less, or if people question what it is exactly that you “do”–you might want to do a little self-evaluation about your authenticity quotient. Ask customers what they think and if they are using words like trustworthy and reliable and genuine, then you will know that you are on the right track. It doesn’t hurt to try to use these words in your marketing and promotional materials (web site, mail, packing slips, etc.) just to help plant the seed that your business is being built on authenticity. Just remember to “keep it real” and focus on authenticity and you will be building your business on solid ground.
Also: Being Reliable Still Works
Doing Business Without Making Excuses