That’s what we often say here in Texas…. “He’s all hat and no horse.” Sometimes, you might also hear “He’s all hat and no cattle.” The meaning, however, is the same. It’s said about someone who might otherwise be called a “poseur;” Someone who pretends to be something or someone they are not.
The internet is full of people like that. In fact, the internet makes it easier for people to appear to be something they really aren’t at all. You can see them in advertisements, product reviews, sales pages, social networking sites and more. You probably know a few. You may even be one (though surely not!).
We all want to put only our best selves out on the internet, so where is the line drawn when it comes to being authentic? Is it ever okay to embellish a story or exaggerate a claim?
Here’s a few rules that might help:
1. If it isn’t true, don’t say it! Good golly this should be easy, but sometimes, apparently it’s not. Don’t say you’re making 7 figures a year if you aren’t. Don’t say you own a Ferrari if you don’t! Don’t say you only work one hour a day when you are really working 10!
2. If your grandmother wouldn’t approve, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it or saying it, selling it or sharing it.
3. If you wouldn’t say it to their face, don’t say it online! (this is especially true in forums and social networking sites)
4. Don’t try to be like everyone else. You’re not. You’re you. Believe it or not, that really IS good enough!
5. If you don’t know, you don’t know. Never try to pretend you know the answer if you don’t. Not having Wikipedia memorized is really okay!
6. Never idolize someone you wouldn’t want to have dinner with. If you wouldn’t want to sit across a dinner table from them for an hour, why would you ever want to BE like them?
7. Always use a photo on your blog, your website and your social networking sites. YOUR photo. Not your dog, not your child, not a supermodel (unless you are one). Of course, there are exceptions as Judy and I explained in “Polishing Your Persona.” 
8. Anytime you think, even just for a second that stretching the truth will help you attract more business, please refer to Rule #1.
9. It’s okay to admire the hat, but just remember you don’t have to have one to be successful.
10. Be the same person online your family would recognize offline.
Go out and make it an authentic day!
Robin
8. September 2010 at 5:20 pm
Even though I currently reside in Missouri, I’m from the west, and I love that saying. And it is so true about the internet. I almost gave up trying to start an online business because it seemed that all people wanted was to take my money. Thanks for these simple rules. I know we’ve heard most of them at one time or another, but it’s great to be reminded.
Wishing you a song in your heart,
Leslie
Leslie Denning´s last [type] ..You Can Sing! Lesson 2 – Using Your Diaphragm
9. September 2010 at 8:07 am
Leslie,
So glad you didn’t give up on starting an online business!
Thanks so much for your comments. One thing about sayings from the West…they usually have some pretty good wisdom behind them…
To your continued success,
Robin and Judy
8. September 2010 at 11:14 pm
Robin,
This is so true. I agree that it is essential to be authentic online. But some people are so afraid to put themselves out there for fear that they will reveal something they don’t want to reveal. You don’t have to share all the deep dark secrets of your personal life. You need to create a brand, a persona and a purpose for being online and it needs to be a true representation of you and what you are offering.
Warmly,
Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone´s last [type] ..Beware What You Wish For – You Might Get It!
9. September 2010 at 8:12 am
Erica,
You make a very excellent point. It’s important in business to reveal enough about ourselves for people to get to know. People do business with people they like. Yet, in order for people to be able to decide if they like us or not, we have to share at least a little bit about ourselves! As you say, it needs to be a true representation.
Wishing you a fabulous day,
Robin and Judy
9. September 2010 at 12:47 am
Hi Robin and Judy,
I agree. There is far too much of people being what they are not on the internet. Being honest and authentic is far better. I think more people are attracted to you if you are truly authentic. You also sleep better at night.
Melodie Kantner´s last [type] ..How to Become Human Dynamite & Attract Success
9. September 2010 at 8:14 am
Melodie,
Oooh….you brought up a point we had not thought about….sleeping better at night! You are so right! In addition to that, it’s so much easier to be authentic!
Hoping you have a wonderful day!
Robin and Judy
9. September 2010 at 9:37 am
Big Hat, No Cattle. Those are some great rules to live by. #4 really resonates, you have to be yourself. Putting on a mask and acting like someone else is not a long term solution. More people will connect with you, the real you.
Jeremiah M. Wean´s last [type] ..What Do You Mean
10. September 2010 at 8:37 am
Jeremiah,
Thank you for sharing you thoughts… you make a great point about the long term. So much easier to simply be ourselves! That may not resonate with everyone we meet, but most of us are looking to connect with like-minded people anyway. The world is a big place and there are more than enough people to meet each day who will like us for the real us without having to resort to pretending to be anything else!
Have a wonderful day,
Robin and Judy
18. March 2011 at 3:12 am
love it:)
hehehe…
its that the mere fact people always do the best for them even thou its not the real thing for themto do it.
nath´s last [type] ..Flemington and Warwick Farm Review- horses to follow