Who Do You Think I Am? Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism on Social Media

I’ve always been curious about how others see me. On good days, I figure people view me as warm, approachable, or maybe even a little funny. But then there are days when self-doubt creeps in—maybe I come across as too reserved, too emotional, or too distant. These thoughts follow me both offline and online, where my personal life and professional world sometimes blur together more than I’d like to admit.

Running a business amplifies this balancing act. I want to stay true to who I am, sharing genuine moments and thoughts, but I also need to project professionalism and credibility to clients and colleagues. How do I make sure the “real me” still shines through while maintaining a solid business presence?

1. Where My Curiosity Comes From

The Desire to Be Seen and Understood

Like most people, I want to be understood. When someone “gets” me, it’s a special kind of validation. But social media can only show glimpses of my life. It’s easy for someone to see a single post and assume that’s the whole story—when, in reality, I’m much more than the snapshots I choose to share.

The Fear of Misinterpretation

I worry that my attempts at humor might be misunderstood, or my serious posts might sound melodramatic. As a business owner, I also fret over whether potential customers might see something and think, “Hmm, that’s not very professional.” There’s a gap between my intentions and how my posts actually land, and sometimes that gap feels miles wide.

2. My Relationship with Social Media as a Business Owner

Curating the Best (and Worst) Parts of Me

When I share on social media, I’m aware that I’m piecing together a narrative—something I hope resonates with friends, family, and potential clients. Sometimes I highlight achievements and positive experiences that reflect well on my brand. Other times, I might share personal moments to show my humanity. But these snapshots are never the complete picture of me as a person, nor do they tell the full story of my business.

The 24/7 Visibility Factor

As a business owner, there’s often a sense that I’m always “on stage.” A client might stumble across a personal post at midnight, or a vendor might see a casual joke I shared with friends. This constant visibility can cause me to second-guess what I post—especially if it’s too personal or if it leans into vulnerability that might be misconstrued.

3. The Craving for Honest Feedback

“Tell Me How I Really Come Across…”

There are times I desperately want someone to say, “Okay, here’s what I honestly think when I see your posts,” both from a personal and a professional standpoint. If I seem too lighthearted, do people take me seriously as a business owner? If I’m too formal, do I come off as distant and unrelatable?

Friends, Family, and Clients

I do seek feedback from people in my life—friends, mentors, and even clients if I feel comfortable. Sometimes they confirm that I’m hitting the right notes, and sometimes they reveal blind spots I didn’t know existed. It’s humbling, but it helps me refine how I present myself and my work.

4. Reconciling the Two Selves

My Real Self vs. My Professional Persona

It’s easy to notice differences between who I am offline—complete with my quirks, silly jokes, and candid moments—and the version of myself that I project online as a business owner. The truth is, both are real; they’re just different facets of the same person. Some days I’m more focused on work, and other days I’m feeling introspective or playful.

A Balancing Act

I’ve learned that being too “professional” can make me feel stifled, and people might find me unapproachable. On the flip side, oversharing personal struggles or opinions could alienate clients who are looking for a steady, reliable service provider. Finding that balance—between relatable authenticity and genuine professionalism—truly is an ongoing process.

5. Practical Ways I Try to Keep It Real While Staying Professional

1. Set Clear Boundaries
   I share personal updates that are relevant or insightful but keep deeply private matters offline. It helps me maintain my authenticity without compromising my professional reputation.

2. Curate with Intention
   If I post a celebratory moment, I try to tie it back to a business lesson or a bit of inspiration. That way, followers get to see my human side, but it still reflects the values and goals of my business.

3. Check the Tone
   Before posting something humorous, I make sure it won’t come across as mocking or dismissive. If it’s a more serious post, I double-check that it won’t inadvertently sound like I’m complaining without offering a solution or reflection.

4. Seek Honest Feedback
   Every so often, I’ll ask a friend or colleague, “What do you think of how I’ve been showing up online? Does it still feel like me?” Their answers keep me grounded and help me adjust if I’ve veered off course.

6. Embracing Growth and Uncertainty

Feedback as a Tool for Improvement

Sometimes, the feedback I get stings—like if someone finds my posts too sales-oriented or too personal. But that’s where growth happens. Taking in these perspectives, deciding which ones ring true, and making small shifts can keep my online presence aligned with who I genuinely am and what my business stands for.

Accepting That I Can’t Control Everything

No matter how thoughtfully I craft a post, I can’t control how people will interpret it. Each person brings their own experiences and biases into how they see the world (and me). Learning to accept that has relieved a lot of pressure. Ultimately, I can only aim to be consistent, transparent, and respectful, trusting that the right people will connect with my message.

Conclusion

Wondering how others perceive me—both as a person and as a business owner—is a natural extension of my drive to connect. Am I the same “me” online that I am in real life? Does my desire to be authentic fit seamlessly with the professionalism my business demands? Some days, the balance feels effortless; other days, I’m hyper-aware of every word I post.

Despite the occasional stress, I’ve come to see this dance between authenticity and professionalism as part of my growth. The more mindful I am about what I share, the more I understand myself, my business, and the kind of community I want to foster around me. In the end, the goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be real, relatable, and responsible in a way that resonates with both who I am inside and the business I’m building.

And for those moments when I still catch myself asking, “Who do you think I am?”—I’ll keep seeking honest insights from the people around me and trusting in the evolving journey of showing up as my true, professional self.