It pays to be you; all awkward and genuine you. 

You've been practicing all your life.

You become memorable for your genuine personality.

I was reminded of this lesson yesterday on a sales call. 

The meeting was scheduled out of the blue earlier in the week. I haven't done a lot of marketing for my marketing business in the past couple of years. Ironic, I know. I'm busy with my roster of clients - so I haven't felt the need. 

My first question to him was, 

"Why me, why now, and how did you find me?"

That was 3 for 1. Maybe not the best strategy, but I was curious. 

"I need help growing now. Thomas told me you were a marketing genius so he booked this meeting."

"Oh, that sounds amazing and all true. But, I don't know Thomas."

Thomas then walks in and introduces himself. 

"Yup, definitely don't know you, Thomas. How did you find me?"

"Oh, we met years back—several times. I loved what you said and your marketing approach for law firms. I knew I wanted to work with you."

"Wow. I'm sorry. I don't remember meeting you. But I'm happy to know I made such a good impression on you. Glad you remembered me."

I've remained awkward and a little dorky through the years. I promise that it's a professional dorky, though. 

That's my secret to success, in case you were wondering. 

Be memorable, do good work, and make sure you're still in business when people remember how awesome you are years later. 

They won't even mind if you don't remember meeting them. You were just too memorable to forget.