If you’ve at this game of Internet marketing for a while, you’ve seen it all, from the Rich Jerk to the Insane Marketer. And while I’m not saying that you can’t make a killing taking on some wild persona, there is something to be said for keeping it real. This article is going to explain why.

First of all, there is no question that personas like the Rich Jerk have been very successful. To say otherwise would not only be untrue but unwise. However, believe it or not, there was a huge segment of the buying public that was totally turned off by this persona and never actually became a buyer themselves. This is why, sometimes, being something that you’re not can backfire and blow up in your face.

But there is another reason for keeping it real. It’s very similar to the reason why you should always tell the truth. See, it’s hard to keep track of lies because you have to remember what those lies are. With the truth, there is nothing to remember. You’re just telling what you really know to be true. It’s the same thing with a persona. When you’re pretending to be something that you’re not, sometimes you can slip up and fall out of character. When that happens, your credibility tends to take a hit.

Ironically, this doesn’t just happen with the “bad” personas. Let’s say that by nature you’re a really nasty person, but you decide that as a marketer, you’re going to take on the persona of somebody we’ll call “The Nice Marketer” or “The Friendly Marketer.” So here you are being all friendly to your prospects and customers. Maybe you send them gifts on the holidays. You’re like Mrs. Walton. You do no wrong. Then, one day, somebody says something that really ticks you off and you go into this tirade…your true self.

You can never go back after that. You’ve given everybody this impression of yourself that is just not true and now, with your little outburst, you have essentially destroyed your credibility. So when I say to keep it real, I don’t mean that you have to be nice all the time. If you’re an ornery SOB like I am, then let people know it. Don’t back down from a fight. Don’t take guff from others. Believe me, if you’re consistent with your behavior, people will respect you for it.

In my 7 years of Internet marketing, I have always tried to keep it real. That means I have my good days and bad days. I don’t try to be Mr. Nice to everybody and I don’t go out of my way to be nasty either. If you’re fair with me, I’m fair with you. If you cross me, watch out. In other words…I’m human.

And in my experience, when you’re human…that’s when you have the most success.

To YOUR Success,

Steven Wagenheim

Want to know what the 7 Deadly Sins of Internet Marketing are? Get my free report at http://www.stevewagenheim.com/7deadlysins/7deadlysins.html and save your business from going down the tubes before it even has a chance.