Can world-class talent slash through the clutter? Consider the well-known experiment conducted by the Washington Post a few years ago. The day after playing a sold out show the previous night, violinist Joshua Bell set out his violin case on the cold floor of the L’enfant Plaza Station in Washington D.C. For 45 minutes he played some of the most enchanting pieces ever written on a violin costing 3.5 million dollars. The tepid response saw only six people stopping for an extended listen. About 20 dropped money in his case for a total of $32.
The experiment raised the question of how we perceive beauty and talent if it is removed from the most appropriate and expected context. If we project that same assertion onto our own talents and abilities, we become acutely aware of how important self-confidence becomes in projecting ourselves outward. You are the head of marketing for You, Inc. Share your strengths with others, gravitate toward work that utilizes your skill set and seek out feedback. By matching your strengths with your intentions it is only a matter of time before you get noticed for all the right reasons.