Sassy is the New Black

Don’t worry, this isn’t a fashion post. This is a post about saying exactly what you want. Some people have no qualms with it; some people do. But let’s face it: the people who get noticed have an opinion and aren’t afraid to voice it loud and proud. Sassy is the new black.

As a young professional, I find myself holding back from saying what I really feel. Especially when it comes to politics, religions, and other controversial issues. Let’s be honest – as a young professional, my rep is on the line. I say one thing that goes against the norm, and I could possibly be in a position where my “good” reputation is comprised. This also goes for my employer – I am a representative of not only my brand, but my company’s. The line between professional and personal presence is definitely blurred in this day and age, and if I say one “wrong” thing, my butt could be on the line.*

Let’s think about it for a minute. If you take a look at most of the successful online celebrities (or at least, names that are recognized by the marketing/tech community), they are established in their career or they’ve already “made” it. Or there are others that didn’t care about the norm and are EXACTLY who they want to be (major props to you!). But even movie stars and sold-out theater musicians have publicists: people who tell them what they can and cannot say to keep their good rep. Almost everyone in the public eye has to manage their words/actions in some way. Regardless, most of these individual speak their mind.

Now, I should say that this doesn’t mean you should say nasty things about people. I’m talking about saying how you really feel about relevant issues – if you don’t agree with a presidential candidate, why shouldn’t you be able to voice it? If you are proud of your faith, then express it.

But  think about the people who are popular. Think about those that you respect. The first person that comes to my mind is Lady Gaga – she went completely against the norm and has one of the largest fan bases in today’s age (if not history). She says/does/wears what she wants while taking whatever backlash she might get from it.

So, the next time you think about holding something back, maybe you should say what you really feel. While not everyone will agree, you will probably get respect for voicing your opinions. After all, don’t you want people to like you for who you really are as opposed to the filtered version of yourself?

*Luckily, I have an awesome employer who supports my viewpoints! Or most of them, at least.

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Jenn

Marketing Consultant at DK New Media

Jenn Lisak is a Marketing Consultant and Client Advocate for DK New Media, an inbound marketing agency that specializes in new media optimization, social media, infographics, and marketing strategy. She is responsible for content and infographic development, social media strategy, and managing and advocating for her clients. She writes and speaks on content marketing, infographics, and social media, and she was nominated for Junior Achievement’s Best and Brightest Award for the Technology division in 2012.

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