Thursday, July 30, 2009

Come Learn from Me.... {Kansas City Baby and Child Photographer}

Did you get a digital SLR camera for Christmas/birthday or Mother's Day? Want to learn how to use it? Want to learn to take better snapshots of your kids from a Professional, published, award-winning child photographer?

If the answers are Yes, then read on...

On Saturday August 15, 2009, from 9am-12pm, Susan H. Robichaud, of Robichaud Photography will be opening her Studio to teach the Moms (and Dads) of the Northland:

How to Take Better Pictures (and use that expensive camera!)

The 3 hour class will cover the following:

Basics of Exposure (removing the mystery of shutter speed, aperture and ISO)
Lenses: differences and which should you buy
Shooting modes and file formats
Ways to great pictures (including composition)

We will have a couple quick breaks and refreshments will be served.

You should come with:

Your camera and lenses
Notebook and pens
Questions

The Fee for Susan's class is $125 and must be paid in full one week prior to the class, or your spot will be forfeited. There are NO refunds, but your fee will be rolled over to the next month's class.

Enrollment will close on August 08, 2009, and is limited to 12 people. If we do not have at least 8 people, the class will be canceled and your fee *will* be refunded.

Please email Susan at susanrobichaud@gmail.com or call 816-260-1529 to register!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Totally Excited! {Kansas City Child Photographer}

A couple of weeks ago I got a call from the editor of Her Life Magazine (which I am sure you all have seen ALL over the Northland, its everywhere!)....

Well now its going to have some Robichaud style in it.....I have been asked to be a contributing photographer to Her Life Magazine!!! So excited!

I cant wait to get to meet the amazing people that the magazine finds to feature....I just LOVE meeting new people, seeing new places and getting to know new businesses in the Kansas City area....

This is going to be SO MUCH FUN!!!

I think I'll celebrate....the next 5 people to email me and say "Susan, you are the coolest person in town" will get a FREE SESSION.

Ok, you dont have to say that, but do email me.

And go check out Her Life Magazine....

http://www.herlifemagazine.com/

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Introducing: Simply Real Portraits {Kansas City Child Photographer}

I've had this idea kicking around in my head for awhile....it has changed and changed and been discarded and re-invented and finally I think, its ready.

So, here it is...

Robichaud Photography, Kansas City's premier portrait studio is proud to announce the opening of a new division: Simply Real Portraits.

Over the past 5 years, I have worked hard to turn my love of photography into a successful boutique studio, serving the Kansas City metropolitan area. My fabulous clients are based here in the Northland, around the country and throughout the world. I have been honored to have my work been published in the Random House publication The Big Book of Babies, as well as decorate St. Lukes Northland Hospital's Maternity units, pediatric offices and 3D Ultrasound clinics. I try to stay active in the community and work with numerous local and national charities.

But, I have always had more of a vision for my work....a vision that includes the affordability of Professional Custom Portraiture for everyone. I truly believe that you shouldnt have to "settle" for a run of the mill chain store, that at every budget, a priceless heirloom of your child should be within reach.

So, I conceived Simply Real Portraits......

What is Simply Real??

a Studio experience for you and your child that wont break the bank

an Opportunity to work with a Professional Photographer who will interact and play with your child instead of working with a minimum wage employee shouting "Here, look here" in an obnoxious voice for 10 mins or shaking a feather duster in your child's face.

the Choice of the New Consumer.

At Simply Real, your session focuses on your child's natural expressions and playfulness....with no frills or fluff, your child is photographed in our natural light studio just enjoying his surroundings.

your Simply Real session is a 30 minute studio session (all sessions are done at our natural light Studio....for an outdoor location, please visit http://www.susanrobichaud.com/) with one of our Child Portrait Specialists.

your Simply Real session includes up to 3 children (additional children, please add $15 each) for a $50 session fee (covers time and talent only, no prints).

your Simply Real session is for capturing your child's fleeting moments at this special age....whether it be 8 months, or 8 years....that lost tooth, that first smile...those Real moments.

your Simply Real session includes up to 15 images of your child to choose from, in a private online gallery.

What does a Simply Real session cost?

a Simply Real session costs $50 for up to 3 children (additional children, please add $15/each), which covers time and talent only, no prints.

a Simply Real Prints Package starts at $75

so for a $50 session fee and the smallest package of $75, you can experince a Child Portrait Specialist in a custom Studio.

With Simply Real, you *can* afford better than the chain stores, or a DIY job, which leaves you frustrated and tired.

What else can I tell you about Simply Real?

all Simply Real sessions are scheduled (at this time) 1-2 days per week (please call 816-260-1529 for the current open dates) starting at 930am, and ending at 2pm. Appointments are scheduled every 45 minutes, so please be on time.

your Simply Real session will be fun!! They are all about your child, so you can relax and watch our Specialists capture those never-ending fabulous expressions.

your Simply Real session will be handled by a Child Portrait Specialist, personally trained under Susan Robichaud of Robichaud Photography (please note that during transition times while we are hiring and training new personnel, all Simply Real sessions will be photographed by Susan herself. All Simply Real photographers will be supervised until they are trained to Susan's satisfaction).

The new Simply Real website will be launched soon, and that address will be:

http://www.simplyrealportraits.com/

The blog address for Simply Real is:

http://simplyrealportraits.blogspot.com/

We are currently booking these dates:

Thursday August 13
Tuesday August 25

Please call 816-260-1529 or email simplyrealportraits@gmail.com

Look forward to talking with you!!

S.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Mystery Location #4 [Kansas City Child Photographer]

It's Tuesday and time for the 4th Mystery Location Session...this one has a bit of mystery in it for me, too.....because I know what I want to do, I just havent found the place I can do it yet. So a bonus gift to the person who can provide me a place to do the session!! (that means that if you are the winner, you get a free gift from me and if you arent the winner, but you have a place that fits my needs, you get a session, too)

This week's Mystery Location is....a field. Thats right, but not any field....I want a field of either wheat/alfalfa or tall long "wild" grass. I'm picturing a pretty farm, etc.... I just need one is all.

The time of day depends on the location I find, so its open ended.
Any age, as long as the child can sit unassisted (there will be furniture involved).

Clothing: either denim or sundresses...vintage looks...boots or bare feet...

As a reminder: the first person who emails me at susanrobichaud@gmail.com with an answer to "Why I want the session", WINS....the session is free and you will receive 10% off your order, as well.

Good luck!!

*You may reach Susan at 816-260-1529 or via email to susanrobichaud@gmail.com*
Thx~
S.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

The New Kid on the Block [Kansas City Newborn and Family Photographer]

Another newborn session from weeks ago that I have neglected to blog about.....this little one is the 5th boy for the B. family and another probably already a great athlete like his brothers!

All Mom wanted was some of those "Anne Geddes" newborn shots that I am known for....and for 2 days, and 10+ hours we tried to get him to sleep for us...no dice. He didnt cry, just observed me, and his brothers, and his parents....we even tried plying him with Subway, but he didnt go for it.

So, we got great shots of him with his parents and his brothers and alone...and out of 45 images, I think his eyes are closed in like 3.....but he may have been blinking now that I think about it....

Welcome to the world Baby M! It *is* worth being awake for.....


Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Mystery Location #3 [Kansas City Child and Family Photographer]

*****I thought I posted this already, but its lost in cyberspace.....The winner of Mystery Session #3 was Beth S.....and Kara C....who both contacted me at the same time.....proving that it still is good to email whenever you see it, b/c I might just give away 2 sessions!!!******


It's Tuesday and time for the 3rd Mystery Location Session...


This week's Mystery Location is All About Urban....but not my usual spots..no, this time will be in a KC landmark location, with lots of great opportunities for cool shots of your kids and/or family.

A morning or evening session will work this time.
Ages over 5 (busy area of town, close to streets, so no dashing toddlers please), or a family session would work best. No more than 2 kids if under 8. (like I said, it can be a busy area and I'm not risking lives for portraits).

Clothing: hip, trendy, colorful. Skateboards, pettiskirts, rock tees and Converse...think fashion, think magazines, think URBAN STYLE!!

As a reminder: the first person who emails me at susanrobichaud@gmail.com with an answer to "Why I want the session", WINS....the session is free and you will receive 10% off your order, as well.

Good luck!!

*You may reach Susan at 816-260-1529 or via email to susanrobichaud@gmail.com*

Monday, June 29, 2009

Mystery Location Theater, Take 2 [Kansas City Child and Family Photographer]

****Thanks everyone who emailed/called and texted about the Mystery Session #2! The winner of this session is Kari Y., who proved that the early blogger bird definitely got the worm this week!

The next Mystery Session will be announced here on the Blog only on Tuesday July 7, 2009, between 8am and noon….so bookmark the blog and check back!******************************************************************


Mystery Location Theater, Take 2 ...

Location Description: riverfront with view of downtown, in Kansas City.

Time of Day: morning session, 930-1030 start time.

Best for: Any age, but would be fun to have ages that could be trusted to be NEAR the river and not dive in. This is not required though... Families are good, too. No age limit.

Clothing suggested: clothing with contrast (black, navy, denim), that will realy POP againsy the KC skyline and river. No white, too pasty for this location. I will provide cool chairs, etc.

Session will be open for one week or until someone books it (remember, its FREE!!).

Go.....

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Mystery Session #1 {Kansas City Child Photographer}

****Thanks everyone who emailed about the Mystery Session #1! The response today has been overwhelming (um, seriously, like 100 responses so far) and the winner of this session is Amy R., who emailed me about 5 seconds after the announcement, LOL.

The next Mystery Session will be announced here on the Blog only on Tuesday June 30, 2009, between 8am and noon….so bookmark the blog and check back!

******************************************************************
Here we go...I'm stoked!!

Mystery Location Theater, Take 1 (sorry, big MST3K fan here)...

Location Description: old abandoned barn in the Northland. This is right near my house and I pass it everyday. I have always wanted to shoot around it but havent.

Time of Day: morning session, 930-1030 start time.

Best for: 1-2 kids only, no families. Babies who can sit on their own, but not crawl or kids older than 2. No age limit.

Clothing suggested: denim, white sundresses, boots, pettis (I can provide), solid colors with some cool accessories.

Session will be open for one week or until someone books it (remember, its FREE!!).

Go.....

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Mystery Location Sessions {Kansas City Child and Family Photographer}

I’ve been living here in the Northland for almost 8 years….been in the child photography business for 5 of those years. And yet there are still lots of places I haven’t used for any sessions…..or used maybe once many years ago. Why don’t I use them? I don’t know….some part of it is laziness; it’s easier to go where I know. Another part of it is dependability; its best to take your clients to places that you know will be comfortable and pleasant for their portrait experience.

But, I get these itches that I need to scratch…and I can’t afford my kids going rates for “modeling” for me..so, what’s a girl to do?

Oh yeah, give aways!

So, here’s the deal….each week or so, I will post a general description of the place I want to have a session….and the first person to respond (email is always faster to me, I have my “Crackberry” on all the time) with a “Why I want the session”, gets a complimentary session (a $500 value)! No prints are included, but a 10% discount on purchases, is.

The sessions will be held during the week, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday….usually morning, but some evenings (I will include the times in the description). It just depends on where the location is and what time of day I think would be best.

*if you have previously participated in my “model calls”, you are regrettably not eligible, as I would like to give others the chance to have a session.)

The sessions themselves will also be tagged with whether a baby/child/siblings or family can enter…some locations would be ideal for a family session, some would be better suited for 1-2 kids only. Just check out the descriptions carefully J

The first of the Mystery Sessions will be announced Tuesday, June 23, 2009 on the blog….so bookmark it and check…it will be up by 12pm.

Good luck!!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Another Gorgeous Newborn {Kansas City Newborn Photographer}

Last month (I know, I know, so far behind in everything!) one of my very first clients that I had when I opened my business 5 years ago gave birth to her second son...you should see her eyes light up when she talks about her boys...its like looking at the face of love itself. I aspire to be the gentle and patient woman she is with her sons (she claims that it is not always so, but I dont believe her).

Baby G, accompanied by Mommy and Big Brother K. held me awestruck by their bond for a couple of hours and after they left, I felt happy all day.....love does that to me...I'm a sap.

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Thursday June 4, 2009 {Kansas City Photographer Susan H. Robichaud}

Tonight, Thursday June 4, 2009, Robichaud Photography and Salon Haleh will be at the Market Boutique in Briarcliff Village.I will be there to photograph the new arrivals of fab clothing, and accessories for the Market Boutique, and Katie from Salon Haleh will be making our models look even more beautiful with amazing hairstyles.

If you come shopping tonight, you can enter to win lots of great prizes from Robichaud Photography, Salon Haleh, and the Market Boutique.If you make a purchase of $100 or more from the Market Boutique tonight, you will receive a complimentary mini-session from Robichaud Photograpy (to be used at a later date...these are scheduled several times per year).

We will also be doing headshot sessions for $30 (includes hair by Salon Haleh) this evening from 700-800 pm. You will receive 4-5 digital images for use on Facebook, your web site or personal blog. You may also be photographed with a friend (great time for that group photo of all of you!), but all participants must pay the $30 fee.

Hope to see you this evening

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

I know I am biased...{Kansas City Child Photographer, Susan Robichaud}

because these sisters are my friends daughters, and I love them, but how beautiful are they??

It is hard to photograph your friends kids, b/c they are used to seeing you in your driveway, in your jammies getting the paper, or chasing the runaway dog down the middle of the street. They dont really think of you any other way.

When I told them that I was a real professional photographer, published in a book, people fly in from around the world to have me photograph their families, they laughed at me.

Maybe I should have stayed in my jammies for their session? Think that would have helped?

Anyway, here are my beautiful neighbors...and the first of the Line Creek Portrait Fundraiser sessions (betcha wish you had purchased one now, dont ya?)...






Friday, May 22, 2009

A Fathers Day Gift He REALLY wants {Kansas City Boudoir and Intimate Portraiture}

A Black Label Portraiture Session...

Don't get your sweetheart a watch for Father's Day this year...get him something that shows him your non-Mommy side...the woman he fell in love with and still is passionate about... Robichaud Photography, Kansas City's most trusted child and family photography Studio has expanded in 2009. Not only do we physically have a gorgeous new space just north of the Briarcliff Village shopping center, but we have expanded our offerings. Susan Robichaud is now offering personalized intimate photography sessions which we have dubbed Black Label Portraiture (black label=the finest you can get). Susan handles these sessions personally, no assistants or "second-shooters". The sessions are private (except your friends if you bring any) and FABULOUS!

You may have seen some of this new work on Facebook lately...you will notice that we do NOT "tag" intimate portraits online, nor show any indentifible features on any non-headshot images. However, you are free to tag yourself! :)
(if you are not a Facebook friend, just add Susan Hamilton Robichaud to browse the Black Label Portraiture galleries....at the present time, no web site exists for our Black Label work...you may come to the Studio at 1839 NW Vivion Road to look through our sample books if you would like!)

So, onto the Father's Day Special... One private Black Label Portraiture Session with no time limits.One 10x10 Bedside Table Art Book with all images from your session (you will preview the book draft and be able to veto any images you decide you dont wish to showcase in the book). The regular price of this package is $500 (until August 2009, when the price will become commensurate with my non-boudoir offerings). The Father's Day special price is $350 (plus applicable taxes)

To get this price, you must:

Book this special by Saturday May 30, 2009 (keeping in mind that the longer you wait, the less likely that your book will make it to you by Father's Day, which is June 21, 2009).

Pay the $350 within 5 days of booking your session (we take all credit cards, even AmEx)

In addition, if you book this special within the time designated, you will receive 15% off any additional books, prints and framing.

We will be taking only 10 clients for this special. ( as o f5/22/09, we have filled over half the slots!)

Dont say....

"I need to lose a few pounds first"....no, you dont....thats what professional lighting and posing is for...taking off those extra few.

"My husband probably wouldnt like something like this"...yes, he would. They all do.

"I couldnt do it...its not me"...everyone says that....

Then they say THIS:

"OMG, do I know her because that is not who I see in the mirror!! You are MAGIC!!!!!! Thanks so much for today it was fun!!!!"

"This was so much fun. You are so talented. Thanks for such an awesome experience!!"

"I'm speechless....besides DAMN! And its definitely a GOOD damn! ;-)"

"Do you think Hef would be interested? Looks great. I know hubby will love them."

"I look at my book everyday...even more than my husband! How many times can we really say we enjoy looking at pictures of ourselves...especially half-dressed? Its something I will NEVER regret doing, for my husband and for myself."

What are you waiting for? Today IS the day....break out of your Mommy ponytail and yoga pants and unleash your inner Diva....

The Robichaud Photography Studio and Gallery is located at 1839 NW Vivion Road in Riverside, MO. We are located in the Eastbrook Plaza, and the door is directly under the Eastbrook Plaza sign.

The studio phone number is 816-260-1529, and Susan's email address is susanrobichaud@gmail.com

Pick up the phone or click on the keyboard.....dont think, just book! You will NOT be sorry!

Monday, May 18, 2009

SuperHotties {Kansas City High School Senior Photography}

SuperHottie Program

(www.robichaudseniors.com to check out past hotties)

2010 SuperHottie Applications Now Being Accepted....this will be the only year that will "apply"...the 2010 SuperHotties will NOMINATE the 2011 SuperHotties....so my 2010 Hotties will need to be majorly sucked up to...

The SuperHottie Application process is simple:

Fill out the attached form, submit and come in for your test shots (these will be done in the Studio, but most of the Robichaud Senior Safaris are outdoors, urban settings).

All SuperHottie applicants will receive (regardless of being chosen):

2-3 Facebook images for personal use (sized for web use)
20% discount on any print purchases from Robichaud Photography
Entry into drawing for tons of cool prizes from local businesses (hair salon, clothing, etc)

Chosen SuperHotties will receive:

2-3 Facebook images for personal use (sized for web use)
20% discount on any print purchases from Robichaud Photography
Entry into drawing for tons of cool prizes from local businesses (hair salon, clothing, etc)
Complimentary Senior Safari Session with no min order requirement
5x5 SuperHottie Album
SuperHottie tee shirt
SuperHottie Dog Tag necklace (give to your hottie guy or girlfriend, heck wear yourself around your neck....its all about you!)

Some Parental FAQs (so you can pass these on to your parents)...

How will Robichaud Photography be using the images of my child?

All Robichaud SuperHottie images will be used to market/promote the RobichaudSeniors website, Studio and SuperHottie program. Your child's images may appear on our web site, blog, Facebook, Twitter and in any online or printed marketing materials. Your Senior's images will not be sold, used in any unethical/illegal/immoral way, nor published in any books or magazines without prior authorization from you and your Senior.

What is required of my child to be a SuperHottie?

All Robichaud SuperHotties will receive the above-referenced goodies in exchange for the promotion of the Robichaud Photography Studio and SuperHottie program. This entails showing off his/her images and book, passing out SuperHottie "rep cards" with the Studio info on them, promoting the Studio on Facebook, Twitter and any other online social networking sites and basically just being a good representative of my Studio.

I want Seniors who are outgoing, active in the Schools and willing to talk up the Studio and their experience with me. There is no "requirement" for SuperHotties to get their friends to book with me....but I really want the Seniors to do their best to showcase my work with them so the other kids will consider booking a Senior Safari with the Studio.

In addition, all SuperHotties will be responsible for nominating the next year's SuperHotties, so they will need to be aware of the Juniors, who is a good candidate, that kind of thing.

That's it! I will be accepting applications through June 10, then we will do test shots in late June, and announce the 2010 SuperHotties by July 3, 2009.

All SuperHotties will need to do their Senior Portrait Safari before school starts in August (so you will have all your images, book and cards when school starts up again). So if you cant commit to that one, please dont apply.

SuperHotties can also have another free session right before graduation (you will likely have a different look, so lets just plan on doing both).

Good luck SuperHotties!
SuperHottie Application: 2010 SuperHottie

Name:


Address:


Phone (home and cell):


Facebook ID:

Twitter ID:

School:

Activities:



What makes you SuperHottie material?




Will you show off your book, images and cards? (say yes, lol)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

My Mom gave me...{Kansas City Maternity, Newborn, Child and Family Photographer}

a Louis Vuitton bag for my birthday a couple of years ago...its one of those cute little bags that all my crap wont fit in, so I rarely carry it. Instead I buy knockoffs by the dozen..

The other day I was scrounging in my closet for a belt when I saw the LV bag on the shelf....I got it down and really LOOKED at it...and realized what I have been missing by not appreciating the true luxury of this handbag.

It smells expensive (b/c it is)...like real leather and suede (b/c its real leather and suede)
It has a gorgeous shape which is still perfect (b/c its well made)
It is a timeless style (who doesnt know real Louis?)
Its luxurious and elite (not an "everybody can afford" item...its special)

So while I was thinking about how I could transfer my 10 lbs of junk in my current bag into this one, I was also thinking about how my Studio is like that bag (no, not small and you cant fit into it, but if I dont start hitting the gym, that might become the case)...

A Robichaud Photography experience is a luxury....its something (I hope) that you invest in because its special...its a designer label, not a knock off. We are real leather and suede and silk and good wine. We are fun and we are laughter, we are bonds of friendship and we are almost-family.

I look around at Kansas City and its numerous photographers, and for sure there are clients for everyone....but I hope that when you are ready for YOUR "Louis" in Portraiture, you choose based on wanting luxury and not just what everyone can afford.

Dont be seen with a knockoff anymore....you deserve the real thing!

xoxo~

Saturday, May 09, 2009

Today I met Kansas City Child Photgrapher Susan Robichaud}

*such* a cool Mom and 2 of the cutest kids (besides mine, of course)! So Baby M. wasnt thrilled in every shot like she is here (about to munch her toes)...but Mr. C. gave me miles of smiles and told me many a toddler tale, believe me!

I had to run right home from soccer games to see if my idea for posing on the Studio bed actually worked out....I sure think so!

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Sisters...{Kansas City Child Photgrapher Susan Robichaud}

I dont have a sister, but I imagine this is about as sweet as it can get between them...big sis picked a flower off that bush, and gave it to lil' sis....Sisterhood at its finest.

Friday, May 01, 2009

Greinke May Get the SI Cover, but... {Kansas City Newborn Photographer}

He cant be as cute as this new little Royal...

I had the pleasure of photographing Baby O's big sis when she was a newborn (and beyond), and I know she's Daddy's girl, but when Dad is part of a major league franchise like the Royals and his 2nd baby is a boy...we bring out the bats, baby!

So he wasnt totally happy, but its amazing, a baby can honestly sleep anywhere...and dont try this one at home, folks, Mom, Dad and I had it quite set-up so no danger was there at all!

Congratulations again! I'll see you very soon!!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The Studio Playroom Mural {Kansas City Maternity Newborn and Child Photographer}

I have this amazing woman who has been my friend for several years...she is one of those people that never has anything negative to say about anyone, and always leaves you feeling refreshed by her presence...

So a couple of years ago she (ok at my bullying) started her own business. I have her site linked off my blog and she was featured in my newsletter once, too. I think she is FABULOUS all around, so I begged her to do a commission for my new Studio....she was gracious enough to squeeze me into her busy schedule, and I absolutely LOVE what she did for me...

So, if YOU are in the market for a mural in your kids bedrooms, playrooms, etc...you should call her...she's FABULOUS. :)

Thank you Kristin! I love it so much!!

http://kidartbykristin.com/











Tuesday, April 28, 2009

On Being Authentic {Kansas City Child Photographer}

I get lots of "inspiration" emails about business, marketing and life in general. Sometimes I dont read them, but I like the ones I get from Jeffrey Gitomer (he's a sales guru and makes a lot of sense for my business). So today he has an article from another guy, a motivational speaker named Mike Robbins....it is called Be Yourself, Everybody Else is Already Taken...catchy title, so I read it.

I'm going to post it here so everyone can read it...I think its a very powerful message...especially in my industry. I know that I am often criticized within my industry for being too "real" on my blog and in my day to day dealings with clients and other photographers. People think I should be less personal, more aloof, not let the world see my vulnerabilities, not admit "weakness", always appear "business-like" and tough. I always respond that I'm NOT always tough, things DO bug me, and I dont MIND my clients knowing what I think/feel/do in my personal life....I share my family, my rambling thoughts and my big hair from high school pictures....

I always thought maybe I was wrong....now I am postive I am just ME...and totally AUTHENTIC.

Be authentic...be yourself, b/c its true: everyone else IS already taken!

************************************************************
Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken: The Power of Authenticity
By Mike Robbins

How often do you not say or do something because you’re worried about how it’ll be perceived? For most of us, myself included, this happens more often then we’d like to admit.

We live in a culture that is starving for authenticity. We want our leaders, our co-workers, our clients, our vendors, our family members, our friends, and everyone else we interact with to tell us the truth and to be themselves. Most important, we want to have the personal freedom and confidence to say, do, and be who we really are, without worrying so much about how we appear to others and what they might think or say about us. Sadly, however, even though we may say we want to live and work in a way that is real; most of us don’t and it’s not that easy, especially in today’s challenging times. We’ve been taught by our parents, teachers, spouses, friends, co-workers, bosses, sales managers, politicians, the media, and others, that it’s more important to be liked and get the job done than it is to be who we truly are. As sales people, we often feel a sense of pressure to say what we think the customer wants to hear or what we think will get us the business, whether or not it’s totally authentic.

However, as the famous 19th century author and poet Oscar Wilde so brilliantly stated, “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” What it Really Means to Be AuthenticAuthenticity is about having the freedom to be who we really are--ourselves, natural and without a mask in with our customers, co-workers, family, and friends, and also in our work and life. It takes courage, commitment, and depth to:

Tell the whole truth (even when we don’t want to or we mess something up)
Be vulnerable and real
Admit, own, and share our true thoughts, feelings, desires, insecurities, passions, and more.

However, being open and real about all of these things (and more) is what it means to be authentic. Authenticity is what has people trust us, want to do business with us, and count on us personally.

Five Principles for Being Your Authentic Self

In order to utilize the power of authenticity in your life and your work as a way to enhance your relationships, increase your success, and empower yourself, here are five key principles:

1) Know Yourself – Make a commitment to your own personal growth. Discover more of who you are. And, seek out and allow the support, honest feedback, and coaching of others.

2) Transform Your Fear – There’s nothing wrong with having fear, it’s the resistance and denial of fear that is the real problem. When you admit, own, feel, and express your fear, you have the ability to move through it, transform it, and utilize its power in a positive way. Taking action in the face of fear is courageous and empowering.

3) Express Yourself – Have the courage to speak your truth boldly, whether or not you think it is what the other person wants to hear. Deal with conflicts quickly and directly. Be vulnerable and real about what you think and how you feel. While on the surface you may worry that this will be seen as “weak,” in actuality expressing yourself completely gives you access to real freedom and power.

4) Be Bold – Live, speak, and act with courage, passion, and truth – even if it’s difficult or scary. Go for what you want in your work and in your life. And get back up when you fall down, which you will – especially in sales and especially these days.

5) Celebrate Who You Are – Appreciate and honor who you are, what you do, and the gifts and talents that you have. Celebrating yourself is not about being arrogant. It’s an awareness of your own power and it’s the key to self confidence, fulfillment, and authenticity.Being your authentic self in life (and specifically in sales) is not for the faint of heart, but once you’re willing to truly engage and do the work to become more real - your life and your business will be more fulfilling, rewarding, and successful!

Mike Robbins, CSP is a best-selling author, sought-after motivational keynote speaker, and success coach who works with Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, sales people, athletes, and groups and people of all kinds. He and his work have been featured on ABC News, in Forbes, and many others. To learn more about his new book, Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken (Hardcover, Wiley), and to receive free bonuses with your purchase of it from authors like Jack Canfield, Marci Shimoff, Jeffrey Gitomer, and many others, click on this link: http://www.BeYourselfBook.com
 
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