It’s time for an admission: my favorite sandwich is peanut butter and salami. Yes, you read that right, and yes, I realize that the mere thought of the combination may be disgusting to some. Frankly, it’s not all that appealing to the eyes either. However, something magically delicious happens when creamy peanut butter meets savory salami between two slices of bread: it creates a level of salty-sweet that simply can’t be found with other food combinations and I love it!
For a long time, I was reluctant to share my love for the peanut butter and salami sandwich. I would quickly eat my sandwich in solitude to avoid any prying eyes or judgmental comments. I knew that most would find my meal peculiar at best and nasty at worst. I didn’t want to subject myself to their biting commentary, so I quietly ate at my desk. It was just easier – and safer – to simply project the image of blending in.
At this point you are likely asking yourself, “Why is Bill sharing this with me?” The answer is simple: my affinity for this particular sandwich is part of what makes me unique – part of what differentiates me from others. By taking measures to hide it, I was really hiding part of myself.
My sandwich secret could serve as a metaphor for my place in the promotional products industry four years ago. I had many thoughts, ideas, opinions, and beliefs that I kept to myself because I was scared that I would be judged, ridiculed, or simply ignored.
My own fear was defeating me.
In 2014, with the support and encouragement of family and friends, I was able to push through my uneasiness and share my convictions, perspectives, and views on many different industry platforms – including a weekly blog. It wasn’t easy, but the payoff has been incredible beyond my wildest expectations simply because I decided to fully display my individuality. Conquering my fear has led to national speaking engagements, being part of an award-winning podcast (unScripted) with my good friend Kirby Hasseman, and, ultimately, the sale of the company I started – brandivate – to PromoCorner one year ago.
How many of you are hiding your own peanut butter and salami personality for fear you’ll be mocked? Each of us possess unique qualities that we keep hidden because it’s safer to simply blend in with everyone else. However, if you want to stand out – if you want to differentiate – you need to share yourself honestly and without fear. Hiding your own peanut butter and salami sandwich self from your audience will only keep you lumped in with the crowd and there are precious few rewards there.
Step up.
Speak out.
Get involved.
Push past self-imposed limitations.
If you let fear win, you’ll never really know how many people truly dig the real you (or a well-crafted peanut butter and salami sandwich).
Bill is president of PromoCorner, the leading digital marketing service provider to the promotional products industry, and has over 17 years working in executive leadership positions at leading promotional products distributorships. A featured speaker at numerous industry events, a serial creator of content marketing, immediate past president of the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS), vice president of the Regional Association Council (RAC) board, and PromoKitchen chef, Bill has extensive experience coaching sales teams, creating successful marketing campaigns, and developing branding that resonates with a target audience. He can be reached at bill@PromoCorner.com.