How do you separate yourself from other people? What makes what you have the advantage, the edge or the pizzazz that makes you the “one” – the one that people want to work with, hire, collaborate with endorse or vouch for? Ask yourself, “what makes me special”?

Many of us are told, “you are special, unique and important and you were put here to do something special”. But are you? Are you special or is your special equally as unique and as rare as the next person’s, thus making you… perhaps not special?

What truly makes you different from everyone else?

That question brings me to a situation that happened last week. I finally went to see a movie that I’ve been dying to see for weeks, Kingsman. My over infatuation of James Bond and related movies made this a movie that I absolutely had to see. For the cherry on top, we went to IPic, a luxury movie theater that personifies what a magical movie experience is. The theater touts that they “combine the highest levels of comfort and service that turns an ordinary night out into an extraordinary escape” and they are absolutely correct. Your experience comes packed with over-sized, extra-cushioned leather seats in the Premium section, or sinfully decadent reclining seats in the Premium Plus level (complete with a personal blanket and pillow). Every seat is first-class with impeccable views of the big screen.

So, with all this to look forward to, we entered the movie theater and started looking for our pre-assigned reserved seats. After a few moments of looking and being slightly confused, we found that there was a couple already sitting in our seats. When the couple realized that they were in our seats, they quickly offered to give them up. But, for us to find out where they were supposed to sit and swap seats with them was an easier plan and every seat in this theater really is a good seat, so it wasn’t a big deal. We continued onward to our newly self-assigned seats. After we were seated, our server promptly came over with our complimentary popcorn and took our drink orders and we carried on without a thought of what was supposed to be our seats.

About 5 minutes later, we were quickly reminded of what was supposed to be our seats. A new waitress approached us and informed us that the couple who had inadvertently taken our seats wanted to buy us a round of drinks. What a pleasant surprise that was! Now truly, a genuine apology in this case was all that was needed, but they really wanted to show us that they were sorry for their misstep.

This is a perfect example of separating yourself from the rest. In Terri Wilson’s book, The Personal Touch, she shares simple and inspiring strategies anyone can use to achieve their goals and dreams. She also talks about using practical methods and opportunities to enhance relationships – applying your personal touch. That is the secret sauce to differentiating yourself from the rest – applying the personal touch and finding opportunities to be unique and a step ahead and above the rest! That one, simple quick gesture by the mystery couple went a really long way.

Scarlet Says…Most people have something that they dream and aspire for, but so do so many others. In this competitive, fast-moving, ever-changing world, it essential that you find ways to shine bright and separate yourself from others. Ask yourself, “what’s so special about me and what do I regularly do to separate myself from the rest”?

Until next time,

Scarlet