EPISODE · Sep 19, 2014 · 31 MIN

Authenticity and the Human Brand

from The Marketing Companion · host Mark Schaefer and Tom Webster

My friend Justin Levy just had brain surgery. He went into the operation not quite knowing what would be on the other side. Despite this personal nightmare, Justin's social media presence was extraordinarily brave, honest, and revealing. Through his timely and detailed posts, his friends and followers could get a daily peek into every aspect of his trial. His successful operation was finally trumpeted with a triumphant "thumbs up photo" on Facebook. Thousands of people felt relief. This very public, courageous journal of his trials made a big impact on me and my podcasting mate Tom Webster. In fact, it became the seed for our newest Marketing Companion podcast. Under the same circumstances, what would you do? And let's take the conversation a step further. What is the professional expectation of the much-discussed "authenticity?" Is anybody really authentic? Can you be strategically authentic? The result is a fascinating discussion and I think you are really going to enjoy this episode. Here are some of the topics we cover: How important is establishing your personal social media "character?" The difference between transparency and authenticity The burden, privilege, and complexities of representing your brand online The tightrope between personal and professional revelations on the web Drawing the line -- over-sharing and personal authenticity in service of the business Social Accounts: The Resume of Your Life Social media ambassadorship -- The new professional skill? Are you ready for this? Of course you are!   Resources mentioned in this podcast Content Marketing World Kevin Spacey speech at CMW Tom Webster Share of Ear for podcasting presentation Justin Levy and his new Unstoppable Blog Scott Monty PEZ T top Illustration "Shadow Selfies" taken by Mark Schaefer in Wales 2014 Our podcast is brought to you by Voices Heard Media. Please check out this tremendous resource for scaling social media engagement.