Firm for the Culture | The Art of Standing Out: My Goldman Sachs Experience
Leather Jackets & Black Turtlenecks. I am What a Trademark Attorney Looks Like.
This week, we’re going to chat about something our Firm for the Culture clients and community talk to us about time and time again: standing out when you want to simply fit in.
With that, let’s start with a story.
Last week, I had the honor of participating in the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business IP “Ask Me Anything Panel,” where I joined experts and IP thought leaders in a virtual roundtable to discuss intellectual property protection and strategy for the modern day small business.
Not gonna lie, fam…the lead up was nerve-wracking.
I had the standard stage fright, of course, but what made it more intense was the feeling of not wanting to stand out.
You see, in this legal profession, we often try to speak the language of the industry—legalese—so we don't seem out of place.
But the Brooklyn in me would not allow that, and as I soon realized, standing out is exactly what we need to do, especially when we simply want to fit in.
This experience encouraged me to reflect and share three tips on how to stand firm while standing out.
Ready?
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Your experiences may be, well, different.
And that’s actually a really good thing.
Embrace this, particularly if you’re an entrepreneur seeking to stand out in a sea of sameness.
When we share from our unique point of view, we allow others to see a different side of the story, and in turn, we inspire them to share their own experiences.
This kind of sharing leads to deeper, more meaningful conversations and relationships.
During the panel discussion, I noticed that as I shared real-world examples and stories from my own journey, the audience responded positively.
The questions coming in showed that they resonated more with a humanized version of law than the traditional legalese.
My worries about fitting in had held me back from sharing in a way that was truly beneficial to the audience.
Traditional norms are meant to guide us, not bind us.
In my case, it was the corporate culture, legalese, and way too many esoteric ramblings about things that actually should’ve been relatively easier to explain.
Breaking away from it felt like a gamble, but it was one that paid off.
So, challenge the norms that don't serve your audience.
The key here is to understand why those norms exist in the first place and find creative ways to fulfill those needs in a way that’s more effective and authentic to you.
Authenticity isn't a static character trait, but rather a dynamic journey that calls for constant growth and courage.
It’s about courageously embodying your true self, even in the face of pressure to conform.
By consistently practicing authenticity, you'll find yourself more comfortable with standing out.
In time, being genuine won’t make you feel different; rather, it’ll give you a sense of belonging.
We aim to cultivate that space of belonging for the clients we serve.
At Firm for the Culture, we work with a diverse range of clients who have the potential to disrupt entire industries with their unique frameworks and other intellectual property.
Yet, standing tall in their diverse individuality can be daunting at times.
Client session after session, we make it a point to facilitate clients’ growth by providing them with warm introductions to conference directors, news outlets, and podcast hosts.
Our aim is to consistently confirm that their unique contributions to the culture not only matter, but are also deserving of recognition and celebration.
Because, in the end, authenticity is about letting your individuality shine, and what better way to do that than by celebrating it?
Conclusion
The Goldman Sachs IP Ask Me Anything Panel was an eye-opener for me.
It reinforced that standing out, and being authentic, is more beneficial for everyone involved than trying to fit into a preconceived mold.
So, next time you feel the pressure to fit in, take a step back and consider how you can use your unique traits and experiences to stand out.
Because, after all, your unique contributions to the culture are what’s needed to make a positive impact on the world.
#ForTheCulture
How do you practice authenticity in your business or professional life?
Share in the comments below!
And when you’re ready to protect your unique contribution to the culture, including protecting the bold brand you’re building, reach out to us.
Can’t wait to help you protect your dynamic impact.
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See you next time.
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