I have a confession to make

Here it is: I, Karen Wilson, have a potty mouth.

It’s true. But you’d never know from the way I show up online and with my clients. Oh, I occasionally let expletives slip out when I’m chatting away with a client, though usually, I wait for them to swear first.

Does my showing up online and in my marketing without swears make me inauthentic, though?

I don’t think it does because I’m not putting on an act in holding back those words I sometimes want to use. (Such as when I see "marketing gurus" selling their superficial one-size-fits-all solutions that solve no one’s problems. In my head, there are expletives flying fast and furious every time.)

Showing up as your authentic self in your business also means considering the people you want to reach. I have some clients who share my love of a good four-letter word. However, in business settings, it’s still pretty taboo to turn off the filter—especially for women and people who identify as women. 🙄

Personally, I have zero issues with business associates, clients, friends, or anyone else who needs to express themselves with words stronger than fudgesicle. Words have power and sometimes the most powerful meaning comes from the accuracy you get with a well-timed, well-placed swear. (My fave swears usually come from Brits. I can’t tell you if it’s the attitude, the accent, or the relative novelty of the words. Either way, it’s always brilliant.)

At the same time, I work with a lot of solopreneurs and small businesses that are finding their footing and navigating the discomfort of putting themselves out there. The message I want to send is one of empathy, empowerment, and understanding. I don’t want to risk turning someone off with strong words that add to their discomfort around marketing.

This is one of the things I’ve thought about when it comes to how I write and communicate with you and everyone else who follows me.

Most of us go with our gut and revert to a standard level of comfortable professionalism and corporate-speak when we start a business. But I encourage you to explore the options for the voice, tone, and style you adopt in your business. You’ll even find your tone may evolve over time or vary depending on what you’re doing.

All these voice, tone, and style decisions go hand-in-hand with your messaging.

When I first started a business, almost 10 years ago (wow), I was so hopelessly formal. It took a lot of effort for me to simplify how I talked about my work and lean into the conversational tone you’re enjoying right now. For fudgesicle’s sake, you never would have read anything from me with swears in it.

Now, tell me your favourite swear or almost swear word(s)? The more creative the better - I’m always up for learning new ones!