Share your truth without sharing it all
How to be authentic while protecting your boundaries.
Cover photo by Raoul Croes on Unsplash.
In today's marketplace, authenticity isn't just appreciated: it's expected. As consumers increasingly seek meaningful connections with the brands they support, sharing your genuine story has become a powerful way to stand out. But where does authentic storytelling end and oversharing begin?
Navigating this delicate balance can be challenging. Some people hide behind corporate jargon and remain distant, while others share every personal detail to the point of discomfort. The best way for your project? Probably, occupying the sweet spot in between.
Let's explore how to share your story authentically while maintaining healthy boundaries that serve both you and your audience.
Why Authenticity Matters
First, let's acknowledge why authenticity has become such a buzzword lately. When you share genuine aspects of your story, you:
Create emotional connections with your audience
Differentiate yourself from competitors
Build trust through transparency
Demonstrate the values behind your brand
Add depth and dimension to your offerings
Yet, authenticity alone isn't a strategy. Sharing your story must serve a purpose beyond simply "being real." The most effective (authentic) storytelling is intentional, strategic, and boundaries-aware.
What to Share: The Business-Relevant Personal
Wondering which aspects of your story to share? Start by identifying elements that directly connect to your business and would resonate with your ideal customers.
For example, consider sharing:
The moment of inspiration that led to creating your business
Challenges you've overcome that relate to your products or services
Values that drive your business decisions
Professional journeys that inform your expertise or creative vision
Personal experiences that help you understand your customers' needs
Actionable tip
Create a "signature stories collection" of personal anecdotes and experiences that connect meaningfully to your business. Before sharing, ask yourself: "How does this story illustrate something important about my project or offerings?" If you can't identify a clear connection, it might not be the right story to share.
Watch out
Avoid treating authenticity as an all-or-nothing proposition. You don't need to share every aspect of your story to be genuine. Selective authenticity (meaning: choosing which truthful parts of yourself to share in a professional context) is both strategic and healthy.
What to Keep Private: Establishing Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries aren't barriers to connection; they're the foundation for sustainable relationships, including those with your audience. While every person's comfort level differs, consider keeping these elements private:
Intimate relationship details
Financial specifics (beyond what builds credibility)
Health information unrelated to your business
Family matters, especially involving others who haven't consented
Political opinions (unless central to your brand identity)
Current struggles you're still processing
Actionable tip
Before sharing something personal, pause and ask yourself: "Would I feel comfortable discussing this with a respected colleague at a professional event?" This simple question can help gauge appropriate boundaries for your communication.
Watch out
Remember that once information is shared online, it's difficult to reclaim it as private. If you're uncertain about sharing something, try discussing it one-on-one with a trusted mentor or client first to gauge its impact and your comfort level.
Building Authentic Connection With Boundaries Intact
The goal of authentic storytelling isn't to share everything, it's to create meaningful connections through selective, purposeful transparency.
When you share your story with intention and boundaries, you create a sustainable approach to authenticity that serves both your business goals and personal wellbeing. You attract the right audience who appreciates the genuine aspects of your brand without requiring access to every aspect of your life.
Think of selective authenticity like curating a gallery exhibition rather than displaying every sketch you've ever made. A thoughtful curator carefully selects pieces that convey a coherent story and create meaningful impact — while keeping preliminary drafts, practice attempts, and personal sketches in the private collection. Your brand storytelling works the same way: sharing authentic, purposeful elements of your journey that resonate with your audience, while maintaining a private space where other parts of your life can exist without public display.
Remember that the most compelling brand stories aren't necessarily the most revealing. They're the ones that resonate with authenticity while respecting the natural boundaries between personal and professional life.
Francesca – Armonica Studio
Francesca is the creator of Armonica Studio, a marketing consultancy focusing on strategy and communication. She is a Brand Strategist, a Communication Consultant, and the creator of The Armonica Blog: Marketing Insights And Actionable Tips For Creators And Makers. She currently lives in Berlin, Germany.
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