As professionals, we always want to put our best foot forward. We want to be perceived as highly professional, disciplined, objective and unshakable. We never want to 'let them see us sweat'. It's a good image to have. Clients want these qualities in their lawyers.
Most of the time.
We're all human with our own faults, anxieties, dreams and unique talents and interests. You often see those qualities in your clients but do you let your clients see those qualities in you? Probably not.
Building a relationship requires sharing common experiences. It requires two people to connect on an emotional level. For someone to take a risk on using your services, they must first like you as a person- no matter how qualified your resume.
In building relationships, people need to see your 'realness', your vulnerabilities and your 'humanness'. People gravitate toward others who are interesting, who have varied hobbies or who have gained unique experiences. People want to 'connect' with people that are like themselves or are like the people they aspire to be.
Being authentic doesn't require you to divulge your deepest and darkest secrets to your prospective client. Instead, authenticity is about showing your 'humanness'- showing ways in which you are unique and genuine. It also means that you should not try to hide the fact that you are not perfect. No one is. Show your warts. Few people can relate to someone who tries to act perfect. But we can all relate to someone who has a few flaws like ourselves.
It goes without saying, if you'd like to talk about your warts, give me a call at 502-693-4731. You'll find me an eager resource and that it costs nothing to talk.
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