There’s a New Industry Standard

Justin Vajko • March 26, 2025

The standard isn't perfection anymore.

Did you know that "authentic" was the word of the year for 2023?


If you've been hesitant about diving into video content because you're worried about not having the "right" equipment or the perfect polished look, you're not alone. 


But here’s the truth: that’s not the standard anymore.


In fact, striving for perfection in your videos right off the bat could actually hurt your efforts more than help. Over-polished content isn’t what’s resonating with audiences today. Instead, authenticity has taken center stage.


Authenticity: The New Standard


Consumers (whether B2B or B2C) are seeking out real, relatable, and honest content. This applies to you, even if you’re a multimillion-dollar B2B founder. Your audience doesn’t need perfectly lit, studio-quality video to trust you. 


What they want to know is:

→ Have you done the thing? 

→ How did you do it? 

→ Can you give me the real deal?


People connect with real, behind-the-scenes insights. It’s less about looking "polished" and more about providing value.


Focus on Value, Not Perfection


When you first start creating videos, don’t worry about getting everything perfect. Sure, your lighting might not be ideal, or the sound could be a little off, but if you’re providing valuable, actionable insights, your audience won’t care. 


They want to learn from you and hear your genuine experience.


The key is to share what you know in an authentic way. Focus on giving value. It’s about showing your audience that you’ve been there, done that, and now you’re ready to help them with your knowledge. 


This will build trust and foster deeper connections with your followers.


And guess what? Your audience will appreciate you starting now. They’ll connect with you more deeply because you're showing up as your real, authentic self. 


Even with mistakes and all. 


Later on, you can refine your videos and work on the polish, but don’t wait until everything is perfect. By that time, your audience will already be expecting value from you, and that’s what matters most.


If there's one takeaway from this, it's that the new standard in video content is authenticity. People care more about who you are and what you can offer than whether your lighting is flawless or your sound is crisp. 


Go ahead, press record, and start creating!



Justin Vajko

About Justin


Justin is a marketing nerd. His gateway drug was in middle school when he and his buddies would make up brand names and draw logos for fun. He graduated with a B.A. in Graphic Design from UW Eau Claire. He then cut his teeth leading the marketing for a $4 million non-profit, moving them into the digital age with new channels and systems. He joined a $60M healthcare manufacturer as marketing team of 1, helping grow them to $90M in three years. Justin became a full-time marketing entrepreneur in 2018. He now enables founders to grow their pipeline and thought leadership through social media videos. Follow him on Linkedin here.

January 28, 2026
Justin sits down with Angie Jones to break down what “anti-cringe” content really means and why trust matters more than visibility on LinkedIn. They dig into how to create content that actually resonates, how to pull real stories instead of forcing them, and why storytelling is still one of the most powerful tools for personal branding. Angie also shares practical frameworks for creating emotionally engaging content and explains how AI can support your process without stripping away your voice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Angie Jones is a messaging and thought leadership strategist who helps humble leaders grow their personal brands through authentic, audience-first content. Connect with Angie Jones: https://www.suiteghost.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-jones-iowa To access our Free Video Mini Course on getting leads with video on LinkedIn: https://www.dialogwith.us/intro Here are several topics we cover in this episode: Anti-cringe content focuses on building trust rather than just gaining visibility High ticket service providers need to establish trust with their audience Using AI in content creation requires a strong knowledge base Storytelling is essential for creating authentic and relatable content Frameworks like 'first, last, best, worst' help in mining stories Emotional memories enhance engagement in content Accountability is crucial for consistent content creation AI can assist but should not replace human intuition in storytelling Collaboration with others can enhance content quality Trust is more valuable than visibility in building a brand ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoy and thanks for watching!
January 13, 2026
 Justin sits down with Stacy Eleczko to unpack what really drives buying decisions and why so much marketing misses the mark. They talk about the power of client interviews, how to uncover real buyer motivation, and the hidden cost of messaging that doesn’t quite connect. You’ll hear why relying solely on referrals can stall growth, how emotion plays a bigger role in buying than most people realize, and what it takes to communicate clearly when your audience has complex needs. If your message feels off or your content isn’t converting the way it should, this conversation will help you realign your marketing with what buyers actually care about. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stacy Eleczko ( E-less-ko ) is a positioning & brand messaging strategist and copywriter for B2B brands ready to grow beyond referrals and into messaging that actually scales. Her clients are founders and small teams who’ve built a solid reputation through great work and word of mouth but now find themselves stuck trying to explain what they do in a way that resonates with people who don’t already know them. Stacy helps them clarify their positioning, shape their message, and write website and sales copy that takes them out of the comparison pool. With a background in education and a strong grasp of buyer psychology, she’s known for making complex ideas simple, and making them stick. Her process combines voice of customer research, strategic insights, and real collaboration. The result? Messaging that’s clear, grounded in empathy and connection, and designed to built trust. Stacy partners with impact-driven businesses across industries like sustainability, coaching, leadership, and tech. And while most of her work happens behind the scenes, she’s also stepping onto more stages–speaking about ethical marketing, inclusive messaging, and how to turn buyer psychology into copy that sells. Whether she’s guiding a founder through a pivot or helping a team refresh their brand, her focus is the same: get the foundation right, so the marketing actually works. Connect with Stacy Eleczko: www.stacyeleczko.com www.linkedin.com/in/copybystacy https://stacy-eleczko.kit.com/b1e93f3ce9 To access our Free Video Mini Course on getting leads with video on LinkedIn: https://www.dialogwith.us/intro Here are several topics we cover in this episode: Understanding buyer motivation is crucial for effective marketing Client interviews provide insights that assumptions often miss Misaligned messaging can lead to significant financial losses Language used in marketing must resonate with the audience Identifying instigating events can clarify buyer needs Referrals can mask deeper marketing issues Messaging should build trust with cold leads Emotional connections drive purchasing decisions Effective messaging requires understanding competitors and audience Clear guidelines are essential for consistent messaging ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoy and thanks for watching!
December 16, 2025
Justin sits down with Erin Balsa to break down why research reports can be one of the most powerful assets in your content strategy... if they’re done right. They talk through what most brands get wrong, why methodology matters more than flashy headlines, and how transparent, credible research builds real trust. Erin also shares how to turn reports into thought leadership that drives ROI instead of gathering dust. If you’re thinking about using research to stand out or you already are but want better results, this conversation will help you create content people actually believe in. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Erin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinbalsa/ www.hausofbold.com To access our Free Video Mini Course on getting leads with video on LinkedIn: https://www.dialogwith.us/intro Here are several topics we cover in this episode: Research reports can elevate a brand's market presence Sloppy methodology can damage a brand's credibility Selective reporting undermines trust in research findings Building a solid process is crucial for effective research Transparency in data collection enhances credibility Contradictory findings can be used to build trust Engaging sales teams is essential for report success Gating reports can limit audience reach Thought leadership is established through credible research Coining terms can help brands own conversations Enjoy and thanks for watching!
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