Marketing Without the Mask and How to Show Up Authentically and Still Sell
- Brainz Magazine
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
Written by Megan Winkler, Business Coach for Creatives
Megan Winkler, MBA, is a business coach for creatives, merging Divine Masculine business strategies with Divine Feminine intuition and flow. She's the author of the upcoming book, Breaking Up With Burnout.
If I had a dime for every time I’ve heard someone say they’re not comfortable selling or that they feel inauthentic and pushy when trying to market their work, I’d be able to retire as a speaker, where full audiences could tell me the same thing.
Marketing can feel like a tightrope walk. On one side, there's pressure to follow the latest trends, use proven formulas, and mimic what successful businesses are doing. On the other side, there’s a deep desire to be authentic, show up as yourself, and connect with your audience in a way that feels natural. The problem isn’t that you don’t know what to do; it’s that you get too caught up in your head.
When you tune into what works for you, marketing your work authentically becomes simple. Plus, authentic marketing isn’t just a feel-good strategy; it’s a long-term driver of success. When you market without a mask, you attract aligned clients who resonate with your energy, values, and unique approach.
The problem with cookie-cutter marketing strategies
Traditional marketing advice is often built on rigid structures that don’t work for everyone. Many business owners feel pressured to follow blueprints that promise fast success, whether it’s posting every single day on social media, using aggressive sales tactics, or forcing themselves into a marketing mold that just doesn’t fit.
Signs you’re marketing in a way that doesn’t fit you
You feel drained every time you sit down to write a post or email.
Your marketing voice sounds different from how you naturally speak.
You’re constantly second-guessing what you should say.
You dread marketing and often procrastinate on it.
You attract clients who aren’t the right fit because your messaging isn’t aligned with your true values.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to rethink your approach and embrace marketing that reflects who you really are.
The power of authenticity in sales
The internet is overflowing with businesses trying to stand out, but the ones that truly succeed don’t just have the best strategies; they have the strongest connections with their audience. This is because they are personal, authentic, and have a unique voice.
Why authenticity works
It builds trust. When your audience senses sincerity, they feel safe engaging with your brand.
It fosters deeper connections. When you share real stories, struggles, and successes, people relate to you on a human level.
It attracts the right clients. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, authentic marketing magnetizes the people who genuinely resonate with your message.
Examples of authentic marketing in action
A coach who openly shares their ADHD journey and attracts neurodivergent clients who feel seen.
A business owner who embraces their spiritual side, weaving tarot and astrology into their offerings.
A brand that ditches polished perfection and instead embraces behind-the-scenes content and real conversations.
Authenticity isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you show up and engage with your audience. It’s about creating a real, honest connection with the other person.
How to infuse your true self into your marketing
1. Tap into your values, voice, and vision
What do you stand for?
What do you want people to feel when they engage with your brand?
What unique perspective or approach do you bring to your industry?
Getting clear on these elements will help shape a marketing strategy that feels deeply aligned.
2. Use intuition to guide your marketing decisions
Marketing doesn’t have to be rigid or formulaic. If something feels off, trust your instinct. Experiment with different approaches. Some will feel right, some won’t, and that’s okay.
3. Try one of these prompts to start marketing in an aligned way
Share a story about a turning point in your business.
Talk about a belief you hold that goes against industry norms.
Explain what motivates you to do what you do beyond making money.
Highlight a personal challenge you’ve overcome and how it informs your work today.
Create a post that speaks directly to your ideal client’s struggles and how you can help.
You don’t have to follow the crowd to be successful in marketing. The best strategy is the one that feels right for you and allows you to show up as your whole, unfiltered self.
Give yourself permission to experiment, refine, and embrace marketing as a tool for connection rather than a chore. The more you lean into who you truly are, the more magnetic your marketing will become.
If you’d like to try a different way to market and sell your offerings, let’s talk!
Read more from Megan Winkler
Megan Winkler, Business Coach for Creatives
Megan Winkler, MBA, believes in doing business differently. With an MBA and 15+ years of business ownership experience plus extensive training in energy healing modalities, Megan helps her clients create business plans, marketing sprints, and sales strategies that honor their strengths, natural talents, and unique value offerings to create thriving businesses that help change the world for the better.
