All right, so I’m not Marshall McCluhan. If I was, the title would be this.
A close relative recently asked how I felt about being so “out there” in terms of social media; in particular, how does it feel to be exposing myself so much via this blog. After all, you can be drastically different things to different people if you manage to keep them separated.
Like most people, I have experience with this. My circles are wide and varied and everyone gets a slightly different flavor of Jen, Jennifer, Aunt Jenny or Ms. Gleeson Blue. That’s part of what it means to be a social creature. Unfortunately, a “different flavor” can also lead to a problematic disintegration of authenticity.
A typical example: I was recently talking with a client about how hard she finds it to integrate her different personas. In other words, if her work people showed up at a family party, they wouldn’t recognize her as the same person. And vice versa.
That’s when it clicked for me.
Social media has invited me to publicly stand for who I am and what I’m about. The medium (blogging, in this case) has sharpened the message (it’s coming). Clarified it. Liberated it, too.
And it asks me to show up consistently all over my life. Paradoxically, it seems, this experience of anonymity that comes with sitting at a keyboard has actually enabled me to be more authentic and integrated all across the board (that’s the message!). I bring more of ME wherever I go, be it a family barbeque, a client session, a Board meeting, a night out with friends.
So if you are the medium, what’s your message?
Tags: authenticity, communication, integrity
Absolutely fascinating concept, and well-put. I think without realizing it, I’ve been experiencing confusion around this issue lately. As I start my own business, I’m trying to figure out how to ‘put myself out there.’ Everyone says social media, websites, twitter, etc. are key for marketing. Yet I find myself reticent to start online profiles because then I have to admit that I’m really doing it. I have to commit. And how will this mesh with my kwirky, personal Facebook account? I will think about what you’ve said here. Thank you!
Rachel – it is amazing how owning your own business really forces these issues, no? Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing how you marry the kwirky and the professional and all the other aspects!
Also, the website (www.media-for-change.com) is SO exciting!!! Even in this infant stage, it’s great. I like how you’ve positioned yourself, the overall design sensibility and the warmth and energy of your new logo.
Congrats!
Great post! I’m working through a similar process right now. For years, I was an anonymous blogger because I wanted to write about a variety of topics – not all of which fit with each “persona.” If I wrote about faith, what would coworkers think? If I wrote about politics… you get the picture. I’m currently building a new blog under my real name with little restriction on content. I’m hoping for and excited for a greater level of authenticity.
LeeAnne – thanks so much for sharing! It is challenging to be really honest and I am inspired by your move toward more authenticity in a public way. I also checked out your blog and was deeply touched by your recent post. I’ve subscribed and look forward to reading more!