Social media is a powerful draw for any business owner looking to showcase their business online, but what happens when your message is overwhelmed by all the do’s and don’t s that it is no longer YOU? In the current podcast episode Dre Beltrami tells you her story and guides you in finding your social media voice.

Dre Beltrami, of The Branded Solopreneur is one of those people whose posts I always look forward to, first because I know I’m going to learn something, and second because she makes me laugh while doing it. To say she is a “character” is an understatement, but that is what I love about her. And yet, her story is one that happens day in and day out as any new business owner decides to tackle social media and follow the advice of the online gurus. At some point you find yourself twisted in knots doing all the things you’re suppose to do to the point that the you in the messaging is lost.

I was attracted to her story of dumping it all and going with the authentic “Dre” rather than the successful marketing creation that previously was her chosen route. And, it seems to be working for her because there are plenty of others like me who hang on her every word once a post is uploaded to Google Plus or on her blog.

Her advice first and foremost is for you to understand what you want people to know or think about when someone mentions your name or brand. That is going to take some soul searching and maybe a little analyzing but is well worth it in helping you decide what it is that you want the world grab hold of when you go online. If you’re not sure, ask a few friends what is the most significant thing they recognize in you and then strive to understand how it works.

She also makes a very important point during the podcast that yes you should look to people who resonate with you as role models, and work to “reverse engineer” why. Then begin using the parts of your personality that blend with that approach. Your voice is just that, your voice and people can sense if it is authentic even written. What works for the big name guru works because it is part of their persona and may not be part of yours.

Anyone brave enough to put stuff out there for others to pass judgement on has to realize that playing a role will only work for so long and the real you is more than enough. Some may like it and some may not but at least you know the one’s that do appreciate what you’ve given them. These people recognize that it is genuine and what separates you from all the copies of the big names.

So give the podcast a listen because there are a number of pearls that Dre has to provide. And, oh yes, be prepared to smile a little along the way.

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