Being Different is Good.
If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, you could learn a thing or two from Paula Deen. Paula isn’t afraid to call it like she sees it in the kitchen. And what does she see? Mostly butter.
Butter is making a bit of a comeback, mostly due to the rising popularity of the ketogenic diet and new research that shows it may not be as bad for you as everyone thought, but the truth is Paula loved butter when butter wasn’t cool.
So here’s my question for you: What do you love? Are you willing to take a stand for it, even if it’s not cool? Are you willing to take criticism or make enemies if necessary?
I was in Savannah recently and we decided to eat at Paula’s restaurant, Lady and Sons. As we were waiting (business was brisk that day and we waited about 45 minutes to get a table), I wandered over to the gift shop and saw this marvelous display. She may be driving vegans crazy, but there are probably just as many folks who resonate with her passion for butter. “I like butter. Paula likes butter. Paula’s like me. I like Paula.”
Here’s the other thing about Paula, though. Paula’s not afraid to change. She’s not pretending that she’s someone she’s not, but she’s evolving. So across from the homage to butter, you’ll see a display her cookbooks, which includes Paula Deen Cuts the Fat. Rather than stick with the same old butter story, Paula’s making healthy changes while playing with her fame as the Butter Queen.
Here’s my challenge to you: figure out who you are and what you love. Find something that you love so much you’re willing to take a stand for it, even if it’s not popular. And when you do find that thing, let the world know that’s who you are and what you love. And if you change your mind or grow and evolve, stand for that, too.
If you need to know how to let the world know who you are, or are having trouble telling your story in an authentic way, please email me ron@rontester.com and let me know how I can help. I’m here for you. Butter and all.
Edit: I heard back from someone that I was mischaracterizing vegans as hostile. I admit that most of the vegans I know are lovely people. I do know a couple of cranky, vocal vegans, though, and they were the minority I was referencing.
Ron,
Awesome blog! I love butter. I look forward to receiving some mentoring and guidance from you for my business and for a community program.
See you back in Denton soon.
Best Wishes,
Katrina, Co-Owner
Psalms Senior Care Home
Thanks, Katrina! It’s so rewarding to grow your business by serving your community. You do a great job with clients and their families, and it’s fun for me to watch your business grow!
What a wonderful post! Your message comes at just the right time for me, as I am making plans that will require that I be my authentic self. Love the image (and love butter too).
Tanya,
You’re an inspiration and I know you’re great at being authentic and standing for what you believe!
Ron, Thanks for reminding us to be authentic . Our unique quality helps us stand out in the crowd!
Pam,
You are a rock star! And you stand out for all the right reasons!
This is a great post, Ron! I do respect Paula Deen for taking a stand and not being afraid to change.
As far as your challenge, I’ll share a story with you. I had a home office before it was acceptable and even cool to work from home. I didn’t care what anyone said and years later still work almost exclusively from my home office.
Connie Ragen Green
Connie Ragen Green recently posted…The Art of Writing Persuasive Sales Copy
Connie,
I will never forget the first time I heard you speak. Your truth resonated with me and made me want to get to know you better. I appreciate the fact that you consistently stand for what you believe, not just when it’s convenient.
Ron, I love the picture of Paula Dean on the butter. I agree that you must take a stand of what you believe in even if it is not popular. You have to be true to yourself.
Adrienne Dupree recently posted…Why You Need To Use A Box Resizer In Your Amazon FBA Business
Adrienne,
Is there anything better than Paula Deen riding a stick of butter through the fires of hell?
Keep leading us forward. I love your passion for helping people!
Yes, being an individual is important, even online. People want to know us a real people and that resonates with customers. I like the way you think. Keep sending out your message.
Thanks, Cynthia! I appreciate your stopping by. It’s uncomfortable to be real sometimes, but I know it’s what matters in the end!
Big fan of Paula Dean and butter, especially fresh made butter you can find in stores like Sprouts. Yum! I have long been one to stand up for my positions in proper health and nutrition and preventing disease.
I have strong political positions too that I stand up for with others closest to me but don’t usually mix those with business. Being true to yourself is so important as is respect for others who disagree with you.
Great post about evolving and being open to change and growth. I am definitely in that stage now.
Kit recently posted…Special Peek Tour of Amazon