Somewhere along the way, we were sold the idea that being an entrepreneur means always looking polished, talking in business jargon, and exuding corporate-level seriousness. But let’s be real—we’re all figuring things out as we go. And the ones who thrive? They’re the ones who embrace their authenticity, not just their ability to wear a perfectly tailored blazer.
Finding Comfort in Being Relaxed
You don’t have to be stiff or overly professional to be taken seriously. In fact, some of the most successful entrepreneurs have built their brands on their realness. Whether it’s how they communicate, their social media presence, or the way they interact with their audience, they don’t feel the need to put on a corporate mask.
Being relaxed doesn’t mean being careless. It means:
- Owning your personality instead of hiding behind a “professional” version of yourself.
- Having confidence in your expertise without feeling like you need to sound overly formal.
- Creating a space where people feel comfortable engaging with you because they see you as a real person, not a corporate robot.
Balancing Authenticity & Authority
The key is finding balance—being relaxed without losing credibility. You can crack jokes, speak in a way that feels natural to you, and still command authority in your space. People trust entrepreneurs who feel genuine, not those who sound like they memorized a business textbook.
Some ways to strike the right balance:
- Be relatable but knowledgeable – Speak how you normally would, but make sure you still demonstrate expertise.
- Show personality in your brand – Whether it’s through your content, emails, or interactions, don’t be afraid to let your real self shine.
- Set boundaries – Being relaxed doesn’t mean letting people take you less seriously. Hold firm to your business values and expectations.
- Lead with confidence – The best way to be taken seriously while being yourself? Believe in your skills and communicate them effectively.
There’s a Time and Place for Professionalism—But Even That Should Be Authentically You
Professionalism isn’t about stripping away your personality. It’s about showing up as your best self while staying true to who you are. Yes, there are moments when you need to bring a more polished approach—client meetings, investor pitches, high-stakes negotiations—but that doesn’t mean becoming someone you’re not. Even in those moments, your professional side should still reflect your authentic self.
You Don’t Have to Play the Game—You Set the Rules
Forget the pressure to conform to an outdated idea of what an entrepreneur “should” look like. The best thing you can do for your brand (and your sanity) is to embrace who you are while building authority on your own terms.
Whether you’re the type to run meetings in hoodies, add GIFs to your emails, or infuse your brand voice with humor—you get to define what professionalism looks like for you.
So, loosen up. The business world isn’t looking for another buttoned-up entrepreneur. It’s looking for someone real.
