On multi-passionates and branding

We were wrapping up this amazing foodie tour in Rome and as we were saying our goodbyes and talking pleasantries about what's next for us (both in travel and in life), our tour guide mentioned she hated branding. 😳

Eeek! This is what I do, so obviously, I had questions.

She explained that while her primary passion was acting, she never fully aligned with "branding" because it felt like you have to define yourself so narrowly as one thing. She's an actress, a food lover, she loves photography, teaching and several other things... how do you just pick ONE THING to be and put all your energy behind that?

That's a fair question. Many of us have lots of things we love, are good at, are curious about, aren't great at yet but still want to give it a go... Especially now that people are really focusing on finding what they love and not just what will make them money.

For me, branding is not about pigeonholing yourself into just one overly simplified aspect of you. Let's look at it a little differently.

Branding is about highlighting all the interests and skills that go beyond your primary offer to showcase how you differ from everyone else that's doing "the same thing."

Not everyone can do what you do in the way that you do it. Your life experiences, beliefs and seemingly tangential gifts are what shape your approach in a way that others can't replicate.

So yes, be multi-passionate and use branding as a way to communicate your message in a concise way. The goal was never to fit into the same pre-existing, cookie-cutter boxes that everyone else is already using and slap a new coat of paint on it.

The goal is to create your own box, a new and unique one that fits your personality in a genuine way! (And guess what, it may not even be a box 😉)

What's that thing you've kept hidden because you didn't think would fit the box? 👀