Skills are cheap, passion is priceless.

I was reading Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk and came across something he wrote that resonated with me: “Skills are cheap, passion is priceless”. So much so, that I had to stop what I was doing and write this post.

Growing up, I was always different. Not in a poor me kind of way, but in the way I processed information. One plus one never equaled two for me. It look more like this:

As you can imagine, I thought, for sure, something was wrong with me. Soon, I figured out that I like the way I think. I like the way I am and damn it, I’m passionate about it.

Cut to years later, I earned a Marketing degree and let me tell you, I gave my professors a run for their money. I would not conform or follow their methods but when I came up with the result, it was almost always over-the-top and forward-thinking but nonetheless adopted by students as well as faculty members. For instance, I liked to surf. I would hit the beach in the morning, come to class in my wet bathing suit, a towel wrapped around my waist, and a baseball hat over my dripping wet hair. I would get up, make my splashy presentation while my Marketing professor would hold his face in his hands and shake his head. I had everyone engaged, people asked lots of questions, challenges were made and ideas were formed. I got an A but not because I used any formalized skill set, but because I was passionate and I knew what I was talking about.

Passion is a burning desire in your gut to do what you do best. It’s rising above other people’s judgement, standing alone, failing and finally making it (by your own definition).

I am passionate about ideas, particularly in marketing and communications. I love all aspects of it. Let’s get busy – talk to me – tell me everything and I will shower you with ideas. I get sooooooo stupidly excited about this. My mind starts looking like the above picture with ideas. I often find that I have to slow myself down because I’m well aware of the Manire ‘charm’ that many can find overwhelming. This is why I surround myself with analytical people who get me and can carry out my vision for our clients. It’s no coincidence my staff has suggested we turn my office into a giant fish bowl and offer tours. Funny, they are, but I did stop and think about it for a second.

Anyone can be perfectly dressed and make a nice and neat presentation but honestly, how many of us fall asleep or check out what’s going on-on Facebook? Now get someone in front of us who is exploding with passion so much so that you can grab their energy right out of the air, put it in your pocket and carry it with you, now. . . .now you’ve got our attention. True or false?

Don’t be afraid. Do it. If you’re authentic (so over-used, I know), people will love you and buy from you. Really. Now embrace who you are and get out there and make it happen.