Being Multifaceted. Or, 'The Best Motel Broasted Chicken I Ever Ate'

This week's blog is undeniably inspired by my weekend road trip. This city girl packed up the car and headed to the country!

When I knew we were planning to make a pit stop near Antigo, we asked - as we often do - for restaurant suggestions. We got one: Chet and Emil’s Motel and Restaurant.

When I overheard my traveling companion getting directions over the phone, I knew this was going to be an adventure. For the record, always say "yes" to any suggestion that begins with "turn left at the eight-foot chicken."

Now, this is not a food review, although the broasted chicken is most certainly to die for. This is a commentary about the concept of being multifaceted.

If you are not familiar (and why would you be?), Chet and Emil's isn't just a restaurant. It's a motel, a bar, a bowling alley and a banquet hall.

Now I know what you're thinking, and believe me, I had my doubts. The idea intrigued me. Why would you put those things together? Are they spreading themselves too thin? Are they trying to be everything to everyone?

But after I checked them out and sat outside for awhile (did I mention it is also attached to a park with a playground?), I came to the decision that I can learn a lot from good ol' Chet and Emil. Different people need different things from us (personally and professionally); different situations call for different types of expertise; different teams/groups require us to take on different roles.

It's OK to have several different sides to you as a person and as a professional. Just because you are a social media expert, that doesn't mean you can’t also be a stellar accountant. Just because you are in charge of budgets, that doesn’t mean you can't provide input on campaign design.

And just because you're a motel, that doesn't mean you can't make a mean broasted chicken.

We can be good at many different things - we shouldn't limit ourselves to being a one-trick pony. Instead, we should embrace all of our talents. You never know when you'll find yourself in a situation where you'll need to tap into them. Your unique conflux of talents and passions are what make you valuable as an employee and as a friend. Don't worry about limiting yourself to a confining personal brand or image - create one that speaks to the many facets of you!

You never know when an employer, client or friend will be looking for that exact combination! And besides, just being uniquely you is enough to stop traffic. Just like I doubt many people can resist an eight-foot chicken proclaiming, "Turn here for Motel and Broasted Chicken."

Passing through Antigo anytime soon? Check out Chet and Emil's website.