8 Proven Tips for Staying Authentic in Business from Entrepreneur Ryan Lee

Lifestyle entrepreneur Ryan Lee knows firsthand what it takes to build a thriving small business. From teaching physical education in the South Bronx, New York, he launched the world's first sports training website in 2001 and has freelanced successfully ever since. Today, through his site FREEDYM, he provides training resources and case studies to help professionals—from personal trainers to lawyers—achieve business growth.

Related: 5 tips for running a successful business

One key to lasting business success? Authenticity. Stay true to yourself at every growth stage. Here are Lee's practical tips:

Don't force a 'tough' image like cursing or growing a beard to seem authentic. Do what feels natural to you.
Embrace and share your flaws openly.
Share your losses as often as your wins.
Clearly state what you stand for. Draw a line in the sand and ask, "Are you with me?"
Always tell the truth.
Accept that some people simply won't like you.
Open up about life beyond business—your family, hobbies like 80s music. People connect with people, not faceless brands.
Market as if speaking to one person: keep it conversational.

Related: 5 ways to make your business better than the competition

This article originally appeared in the June 2017 issue of SUCCESS magazine.