I recently heard a woman whose estimated net worth is 90 million (no, that is not Oprah) say that polarity is critical for success. She said: “the opposite of love is indifference. When you have people who love you and hate you, you have polarity and you have a brand”.

I have been known to say that wanting to be “liked” can be dangerous. That if people don’t disagree with you, you might be vanilla. I think this applies. See, she is RIGHT. But her net worth is only 90 million….if you disagree.

Let’s look at some examples:

Pepsi

Coke

Lady Gaga

Simon Cowell

Gordon Ramsey

Southwest

Each of these brands has success and polarity. I find many leaders and entrepreneurs have difficulty with this when they start out. Especially the first time someone disagrees with them. It’s great they disagree!  I once watched Tim Ferriss speak to this and he told the crowd you either ignore what people are saying (he chooses not to watch) or you get a tough skin.

Have you created polarity? Or do you struggle with people not liking you? Are you playing it safe?

Oh, yes, who was that woman, net worth 90 million? Tyra Banks.

 

Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”