People Are Tired Of Fake

I was on a group call with Pat Flynn, and what he said was so simple but so deeply true. Pat has invested years in becoming one of the strongest brands in online marketing which he’s done by cultivating real relationships and being human in the way he does business. He even wrote a book called “Superfans” where he talks about all of the tactics he’s used to create a real connection with his many followers.

And it’s with that experience that this one line of wisdom really hit me. Pat said “People are tired of fake.”

Unfortunately, the world is full of fake. Social media creates an impossible expectation we all try to live up to. Artificial intelligence is impersonating people better than ever. People talk in business lingo that doesn’t mean much but sounds smart... 

It’s happening everywhere, and because of that, people are more cautious. They’re slower to trust. They think twice. They pass everything through a very sensitive filter meter to see if something’s legitimate or 'BS'.

The opposite of being fake is being real. And being real is a major differentiator in today’s world. It’s the reason why you believe someone can help you succeed if you first know about their failure. It’s why people crave real stories of real people, which makes them more relatable. In a world where so much is fake we have a deep need for authentic connection

So how can you be more real in a fake world? 

Be honest. Rather than inflating your situation so that it looks better, represent things how they actually are. It’s likely that you’ll meet people where they’re at rather than try to paint an unbelievably impossible picture. 

Be vulnerable. Share the parts of you and your story that aren’t perfect. Relive the emotional moments, the decisions you made, and how it shaped you into who you are today. Rory Vaden often says “you are most qualified to help the person you once were.” Give people the gift of getting to know that person.

Be raw. You don’t need to have a perfectly polished plan. Messy action is magnetic. People want to join you in the trenches because it creates a more realistic expectation of what it actually looks like to do what you do. An objective view into the hands-on, messy process teaches more than telling people how you did it ever could.

Again, people are tired of fake. So whether you’re looking to grow your business, invest in friendships, strengthen a marriage, get healthier, or whatever it is you want to see for yourself - be real about it.

Your real example will inspire more people than you know, and your authenticity will attract people who can help you and want to see you succeed.