Don't be perfect. Be relatable.

When you watch a film, how do you instantly know who the main character is?

 

In a great story, it doesn’t take long — even if you didn’t see a single poster or trailer.

 

Take Devil Wears Prada.

It starts with a montage of women with perfect morning routines, fashionable outfits, and low-calorie breakfasts. 

 

And then there is Anne Hathaway’s character, rushing out the door in a cosy coat, treating herself to a bagel.

 

 

She’s not polished. She’s relatable.

 

We don’t just see her — we see ourselves in her.

 

And that’s exactly why we care.

 

Too many people start their business stories from the moment they’ve figured it all out.

 

They want to appear strong, aspirational. 

 

 

You can’t shy away from your shortcomings and struggles.

 

Perfection can be enviable, but it’s hard to relate to.

 

It’s like trying to connect with someone who eats five almonds for breakfast.

 

If you want your audience to think, “That’s me”, you have to show them the real beginning:

• The scrappy first product design
  
  
• The client you bombed with
  
  
• The cluttered spare room where your business began

Even if it feels a little embarrassing.

 

Because one thing that's worse than being embarrassing is being ignored (or being thought of as not relatable at all).

 

So let your audience see the mess. It will make them want to follow your story all the way to the end.