Is there really such a thing as TMI?

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At a meeting I attended a couple weeks ago, Web site content was a topic of discussion. Some believed that a sense of mystique is needed and that not everything about the members of the group should be revealed. Others believed that more should be revealed so others can get a feel for what the members are like. This got me thinking - are we revealing too much information about ourselves on our Web sites? Or not enough?

I have been interested lately in Generation Y and how they are affecting the way businesses are run. As a member of Generation Y, I can relate to the definitions that have been placed up on us - we are hard-working, but we value living and enjoying our lives first rather than working. This opposes generations before us who believed in hard work first and enjoying life second. We are changing the way business is done, from the way offices are set up, both in physical offices and virtually, and in how we relate to one another.

Something that has come about, I believe at least partially because of the beliefs of Generation Y, that my business coach introduced me to is the term “radical transparency.” In my research on this subject, I have gathered that it is being open about oneself and one’s business entirely, from the highs to the lows. Why not be completely transparent? In today’s Internet age, if you don’t reveal everything, someone else will. Therefore, it is determined that revealing everything is best.

I have also been reading the book Duct Tape Marketing by John Jantsch, which teaches that the goal of marketing is to get people to “know, like and trust” you and your business. In looking at the businesses that I have chosen to work with, many times it is because through their Web copy, blog, or other form of communication, I got to know them on a more personal level than just what they could do for me. These businesses were also authentic in what they said - I knew they were not “putting on airs” just to get my business.

So is there such a thing as TMI? I don’t think so…in fact, the more we can know about you, the better! So be more transparent and authentic in what you reveal and reap the rewards of being yourself.

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