Unconventional Brand Authenticity – Being Real in your Brand

Quick Answer

Brand authenticity means showing up consistently as the real you – values, voice, and experience – so the promises your brand makes match the experience clients actually have.

Why this matters (and why it works)

Clients aren’t only buying outcomes; they’re buying the experience of working with you. They want professional results and to “enjoy the ride.” When your marketing, website, and conversations reflect who you truly are, you attract right-fit clients, shorten sales cycles, and build trust you don’t have to “pitch” every time.

Authentic brands don’t just say what they do—they behave like it.

Let me tell you a story about my own experience with brand authenticity…

I came from the corporate world, and I watched “the suits” parade around in perfect business attire. I perceived them to have an air of authority or ‘aloofness” that I strived to emulate. When I entered into management some 25+ years ago (shhh – don’t tell) I was strongly encouraged not to form attachments or to get to know my staff, because “disciplining them later was going to be hard if we were friends”.

So, I maintained that aloofness and ended up developing a reputation among my staff as being unapproachable. (Me – Are you kidding!?) My superiors at the time applauded my management style and my ability to keep myself separate from the people I managed.  There was no authenticity in that person I was told to portray.

That was then.  This is now!

I have learned so much over the last 25 years, and management (leadership) has evolved so much since then. Marketing and branding have evolved as well, and I am thanking God for that.

Brand authenticity is the new queen. Today we care who the person or company IS with whom we are doing business. We care about what they believe, and what they stand for, and we, as consumers, have the right to know who is steering the ship. We want all the professionalism and the results (and we have a right to demand that) but we ALSO want to enjoy our experience with the company. Today’s leading companies do not simply sell a product or service well- they create a memorable customer experience.

Your customer experience needs to be communicated in your brand. That’s what makes for brand authenticity.

Don’t just market results—market the ride

Your clients need to know you’ll deliver, and that collaborating with you will be a positive, professional experience. Make that experience visible in your:

• Website copy (plain-language promises, process steps, client stories)
• Design language (clean, accessible, fast – because respectful UX is part of authenticity)
• Sales process (clear next steps, honest scope boundaries, and proactive communication)

As I pointed out in my post about using storytelling to enhance your brand, we need to move beyond the traditional marketing of service, product, experience, expertise, and distribution and showcase the US. What we think, we embrace, and even what we stand for as a business.  We need to be real and showcase our brand authenticity.

I had an attitude-altering moment early on in my business. Once, a business advisor said to me “Lauren, you have a lovely smile – why not let your clients see it now and again”. As a business owner, I fell right back into the “aloofness” that labeled me so many years ago. No more I say, I let my humor out, I share my beliefs, I show the ‘real’ me. And you know what – I attract people as clients that I love to work with.

As strategic and ‘down to business as I am when I am working on marketing plans and brands, I have a goofy, fun-loving side as well. I am more than a bit of a ham and a ‘smart ass’. I am fast with the sarcasm (as long as it does not hurt feelings), I have strong faith and I love wine and coffee. I am who I am and THAT is my unique differentiating factor in my brand. Lots of people can work with speakers. Lots of people get great results. There is a multitude of marketing agencies out there. What will make you choose Pibworth in the end? The knowledge that we WILL provide all the results you are looking for – AND that you will have a great time while we do it.

How to show brand authenticity (without oversharing)

• Name your values, then operationalize them. If you say “we’re responsive,” define your response time and keep it.
• Use your real voice. Write like you speak. If you’re thoughtful and warm (or direct and energetic), let it show in headlines, CTAs, and emails.
• Show the experience. Add short stories, behind-the-scenes, and “what it’s like to work with us” copy on key pages.
• Be consistent everywhere. From proposals to project updates, your tone, visuals, and promises should match.
• Invite the right people in. Authenticity is a filter. It attracts aligned clients and repels poor fits – and that’s one of he foundations of a healthy business.

Pro tip for speakers: weave your promise and personality into your Meeting Planner assets and your About page so planners can feel what it’s like to work with you before they book.

Ready to align your message with the real you?

If your brand feels “almost you,” let’s tighten the promise and the voice so the right clients recognize you instantly. Book a call and let’s see how we can help.