Want to be remembered? Stop playing it safe

Want to be remembered? Stop playing it safe.

Ann Dosen

I heard a podcast episode on the Russell Brunson show recently where he was interviewing Dan Kennedy and the rebel in me was inspired. Most businesses aren’t failing because they lack a marketing plan—they’re failing because they lack personality. While everyone’s busy playing nice and chasing likes, the real winners are the ones who aren’t afraid to ruffle feathers.

Be Famous by Becoming Infamous. Dan Kennedy (marketing guru) built his empire by embracing controversy. His mantra? Polarization = profit. When you take a bold stand, you naturally attract attention. Look at those who built massive followings by daring to be different—whether you love them or hate them, they’re impossible to ignore.

My Origin Story: Pissing People Off to Raise the Bar
I didn’t start PodiatryMeetings.com to fit in. I started it to shake things up by challenging the status quo. I called out the industry by publishing honest reviews of podiatry conferences—something no one else dared to do. Yes, I pissed a lot of people off. The backlash was fierce—organizers were upset, and emails flooded in. But that controversy paid off. Why? Because it broke the mold. It made people pay attention. And it forced some much-needed improvements across the board.

Opposition Drives Traffic. When you spark debate, you’re not losing; you’re winning. Every negative comment, every angry email, fuels curiosity. People start asking, “Who is this person stirring the pot?” That curiosity translates into clicks, shares, and an audience that’s hard to ignore. In Dan Kennedy’s words, “All press is good press if you know how to frame it.” Even bad press puts you on the map.

Don’t Be Liked. Be Known. If your message is so sanitized it could lull your audience to sleep, you’re missing the mark. Forget being universally liked; aim to be unmistakably remembered. Speak up, challenge convention, and don’t be afraid to take a hit for the sake of progress.

Final Thought – Legends like Dan Kennedy didn’t win by playing safe, and neither will you. You can’t be magnetic without repelling someone. Being remembered isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about igniting conversations, driving change, and ensuring your message resonates with those who matter.

Remember: You don’t need everyone to like you; you just need the right people to remember you.