How Fearless Are You In Business? Take The Quiz!

Last year I was helping Aon, one of the world’s largest insurance brokerage firms evolve their brand. During one meeting, my client asked my opinion on a marketing matter. I gave him several options and then asked what he thought. He got exasperated with me and in a strong tone told me that he had hired me because I was the expert, not him. He didn’t want options he wanted my opinion.

There’s a pervasive belief among consultants that it’s best to conform if you want to survive. I can tell you from my experience at Aon and other mega corporations, it’s not true. Being authentic, sharing smart opinions and having conviction gives you staying power. It’s about showing your value by leveraging your own unique talents and choosing not to hide or downplay your differences. I’m talking about being real in business.

Want to know if you are making waves or floundering in a sea of sameness? Take this quiz.

1. You’re in a meeting and you have a great idea for how to increase sales. Do you:

a) Keep your idea to yourself because people might think it’s stupid.
b) Wait for someone to come up with a similar idea and then add to it.
c) Share your idea proudly with the group.

2. You were just hired by a new client and you’ve been invited to a company social event. What’s your social style at the event?

a) Wait on the sidelines for someone to start talking to you.
b) Make conversation with the people who hired you and the folks you know in the department.
c) Go table-to-table introducing yourself to everyone.

3. Your company didn’t perform as well as expected. Do you:

a) Blame everything on your client and his or her team.
b) Accept personal responsibility and apologize profusely to your client.
c) Acknowledge that mistakes were made and make suggestions for how to improve performance going forward.

4. What do you feel is your most important contribution?

a) You work long hours and never say no when your client calls.
b) Your positive attitude infuses every situation and creates results.
c) You are very creative and have a lot of great ideas that drive revenue.

5. How important do you think you are to your clients?

a) Not very—I feel I am dispensable.
b) Somewhat—My clients seem to like me.
c) Very—I am talented, forward thinking, and proud of what makes me different.

6. Which statement describes your work wardrobe?

a) I follow the dress code—I don’t want to have anyone question my style.
b) I follow the dress code, but add interesting accessories that express who I am.
c) I am a trendsetter—I have a signature style that makes me positively stand out.

7. Your client hired someone younger and more tech savvy than you to assist with the project you’re working on. What’s your move?

a) Assume the worst: your client has hired him or her to replace you.
b) Let the newbie focus on the technical details, so you have more time to devote to the big picture.
c) Put yourself in a leadership position by asking your client if you can partner with the new person to get them up to speed on the project.

8. How do you attract clients?

a) I use referrals. The business always comes to me.
b) I make cold calls and network at business conferences and trade shows.
c) I have an aggressive strategy, which includes speaking at events, social media and blogging, as well as researching, identifying and approaching new prospects

If you answered mostly A: Underappreciated Hard Worker

You are hard working, but underappreciated because you don’t speak up for yourself enough. It’s okay to have an opinion or idea that differs from the norm and to share it. There is a way to let your voice be heard without alienating yourself. Just remember it’s not what you say, but how you say it that matters. In fact, putting yourself out on the line could finally get you the recognition you deserve.

If you answered mostly B: Savvy Business Person

You are good at standing up for yourself and are well liked by your clients, but you don’t stand out as much as you could. Push yourself to really think outside the box and you could have a much bigger impact. Bigger impact means more recognition, which could lead to a long-term client relationship and lucrative contract.

If you answered mostly C: Fearless Leader

You are totally fearless and on the rise. But be careful—remember, you can swim your own way, but don’t forget it’s their ocean. You want to ripple the waters, not create a crushing tidal wave. It’s all about balance. Make your confidence work for you without going over the top and alienating or intimidating your client. 

Robin Fisher Roffer is a leading brand strategist and reinvention specialist. Founder and CEO of Big Fish Marketing, she is the author of Make A Name For Yourself: 8 Steps Every Woman Needs To Create A Personal Brand Strategy For Success andThe Fearless Fish Out Of Water: How To Succeed When You’re The Only One Like You. Learn about her Reinvent Yourself! Workshops at http://relevanceinstitute.com/

Robin Fisher Roffer