Embrace your flaws as a marketing strategy? Yes, that’s what I said.

If you feel confused by social media, or get overwhelmed by your business tasks, or maybe yearn for the good ‘ol days when people wrote letters and didn’t know what a crackberry was, then here’s a thought – you aren’t the only one. And, if you’re not the only one, there’s probably a market that needs your help dealing with that very same struggle.

When you identify a flaw in yourself – maybe you see it as a barrier or maybe an old fashioned badge of honor for how things “should” be done – then remember that there are others out there like you. Use the feelings you have to dig deeper into the emotional triggers of your potential clients. Use the coping tools and solutions you find as an example for others. Use your viewpoint, even if you feel it’s something you need to shift, as a starting point for better understanding the needs and work flow of your customer.

Process is everything. By fully embracing your own growth and discovery process and sharing the results (and yes, the struggles and failures) through your online persona, you allow people a bird’s eye look into how you think. Demonstrating your values, becoming one of us instead of a stand offish always right guru allows for others to fall in love with what you do. And, they will even fall in love with those flaws.

Go on, now….go give yourself and all your beautifully imperfect flaws a big, juicy hug. If that feels silly or someone sees you with a funny look on your face, just tell them you’re tweeting. They’ll leave you alone!

This weekend, I am on a spiritual retreat. I am visiting my spiritual teacher, Amma in Dallas, Texas, a stop on Amma’s North American Tour. Watch the video below to see a FOX News report on her and her philanthropic endeavors.

This might seem fringe or weird to you, but to me, it’s deeply personal. Some I meet believe that work and personal matters shouldn’t be mixed. But, truthfully, there is no way to separate these things. Nor, in my opinion, is there any advantage to doing so.

I mention my personal journey on this entrepreneur’s blog to help others make their own connections between who they are at their essential core and how they behave in their business and in the world. In my way of thinking, your faith, whatever that is, shapes you and colors all that you do.

My teacher speaks of patience, love, forgiveness, and the need for the spirit of the Divine Mother to be reignited in this world. I strive to run my business affairs with these values in mind. Traditional cut-throat methods aren’t appropriate if you start with a compassionate viewpoint. I cannot say that I never lose my patience or become judgemental. I am human. But, ultimately, I work with the idea of service and shared benefit at the core of my goals.

Think for a moment of what your mother does for you. She cares for you and she loves you unconditionally. When you were a baby, she fed you, she taught you, and she kissed your wounds to made them feel better. As you grew to an adult, she was there as a confidante and supportive energy. The spirit of generous giving and nurturing is at the heart of a loving mother.

If you did not experience a loving mother, you know the damage it has caused you. Imagine the damage you can do by not conducting your business affairs honestly. Imagine the pain that negligence or disregard can deliver. A surgeon who drinks on the job, a teacher who molests their students, a huge corporation that pollutes rather than conduct their business gently on the earth. These are all examples of people who did not allow their faith to help guide their business choices.

I am not suggesting that anyone preach to another about what they should believe. Rather, I am suggesting that it is correct and good to consider and incorporate your beliefs into your business model. Become aware of how you touch others with your work. To live a passionate life means to have your heart engaged and an engaged heart is fueled by faith. Discover and embrace yours. Because, frankly, I can hardly wait to see the magnificent things you will do.

Love to you. Thank you for visiting and supporting me.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman