I have this #hashtag I like to use on Instagram: #transparency.

As a mom and a business owner, I learn something new everyday. However, I don’t learn quickly and gracefully. I learn hard.

Throughout this business journey, I have learned that being able to laugh at yourself and learn from your mistakes is crucial. This is nothing new, however. There are millions of blog posts, social media quotes and books written about “learning from your mistakes”. As pretty of a picture this paints, it will only do so much for you.

I believe in being transparent. I believe in sharing your mistakes. How you felt about your mistakes and how you dealt with them is crucial to success. Why?

• Being transparent creates a sense of trust between you and your audience. If you can share your recent embarrassing business blunder, surely you will tell them the truth about their brand, product or offering.
• Being transparent puts the personality back into your business. If “stuffy” is truly your brand voice, go for it. There are markets for everything. However, a brand that is personal has the ability to create a bond between the consumer and the brand. We are humans – not robots.
• Being transparent keeps you grounded. When business mishaps happen, transparency gives you the power to talk about it, share it and walk through it. Transparent content may even produce ideas from others who are engaging that you may never have thought of on your own.
• Transparency equals engagement. Sharing your personality allows your audience to get to know you. Real conversation can start when relationships are built.

You may be thinking, “Okay, you want me to share each time I lose a sale, make a wrong move or lose an opportunity? You’re crazy. That can’t be good for business.”

You’re right. Advertising yourself as a faulty business isn’t good for well, your business. However, advertising your business as one that is owned by a human being is the best for business.

Humans make mistakes. We have emotions and passions. Our product or service is a result of those passions. If our audience can build the same bond towards what we offer, success is guaranteed.

It’s scary. It’s hard. It’s worth it. Start out small. Create a blog that simply shares your passion for writing. Write an email campaign that tells your business story. Or, post that Instagram photo of your cute kid.

Be genuine. Be open. Business, when boiled down, is sharing.