Different Sells and the Evidence To Prove It
No publicity is bad publicity, or at least that is what we’ve often heard. In some cases, this may be true. In your career or for your business what will give you more traction, being the same or being different? Different sells and we have lots of proof.
Evidence
The hit television show, The Big Bang Theory, is largely a success because the characters are very different. Sheldon Cooper may be a favorite for many, but when you look twice you may discover that nearly every character is, well, a bit different.
Speaking of The Big Bang Theory, if you are a creative thinker your thoughts may drift to William Shatner. In recent years, William Shatner has continued his legacy through clever television commercials that co-feature a Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco.
However, William Shatner, and even Kaley Cuoco aren’t the best evidence to correlate with the idea that different sells. That honor goes to Leonard Nimoy. Nimoy stole the show in Star Trek, the original television series which began in the mid-1960’s.
Nimoy was different in many ways, including his pointed ears, but that may not be as memorable as the tone he applied to his words. Spock, as he was so fondly known, was a hit with words like fascinating, logical, and who could forget, “live long and prosper.”
Is this enough evidence that different sells? Let’s throw in one more for good measure.
What about The Office? The television show based on the workplace in the small city of Scranton, Pennsylvania. In this hit comedy series, Steven Carell, made a big splash for his career as he played Michael Scott. Different, nerdy, and full of workplace missteps and miscues, the connection of being different made it all seem surreal.
Different Sells
Do you believe different sells? Many people and organizations spend their lifetime trying to be the same, to fit in, or to mimic others. Being the same or being similar only leads to one thing, blending in.
When you want to stand out, be different. When you want to lead, be different. Properly executed, being different sells.
– DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a five-time author and some of his work includes, #CustServ The Customer Service Culture, and Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
