Get your groove on

Emeril Lagasse had the catch phrase “Bam!”, James Brown had the show-stopping moves. Michael Jackson had the single white glove. The trademarks of these stars are entrenched in our collective memory, but you don’t have to be a celebrity chef, the Godfather of Soul, or the King of Pop to make your mark in your particular industry — be it a personality trait, a particular talent, or a signature look.
Just ask Chicago-naive Beshanda Spencer. Her animated style of delivering news made her a standout while studying journalism at Northern Illinois University in Illinois. During a class assignment in which students had to tape themselves delivering a newscast, the then senior caught the eye of her instructor who was also a reporter for Fox News in Chicago. Spencer’s confidence on camera and unique style inspired her professor to submit her tape to local news channels. It was chosen to air on a local edition of CNN Headline News.
Her self-assurance in asserting her personality into her reporting style is specially note-worthy: She overcame a childhood speech impediment by taking special classes up through seventh grade.
If you want to stand out from others, it is up to you to break the mold. You are the star of your own show, says renowned Washington, DC-based motivational speaker and author Willie Jolley. “Many times people don’t succeed in life or business, not because of a lack of talent or abilities, but rather because they only show up physically, without all the stuff that makes them unique,” he says. By fading into the background or blending in with the pack, “they forfeit the success within their grasp.”

Make your star shine
At times, we must all abide by the same laws, rules and guidelines. But that doesn’t mean we have to all think, act and look alike. Jolley shares his recipe for letting your individuality shine through.
Wake Up! Realise that originality “is not just for the rich and famous.” Develop a trademark sound bite, your own signature look, or look for ways to appropriately display your unique personality in every situation.
Show Up! Arrive on the scene with an attitude to do more than the average person.

As Les Brown says, “If you do the things today that others won’t do, you will have the things tomorrow that others won’t have.
Stand Up! Make the decision to become a better you. Seek out opportunities to broaden your skills within and beyond work-related activities to demonstrate how you add value to the company.
Step Up! Rise to the occasion and consistently give tasks your best shot. Think of yourself as a brand and build a self-promotion campaign that builds your reputation.
Make Up Your Mind! Do whatever is necessary to serve and give at the next level. You might volunteer to speak at a conference or serve on a forum.
Strive for greater success, and make your mark in all your personal and professional endeavours.