Don’t Be Afraid of Trying Something New

I’m not afraid of trying new things. I have a bucket list (that I update every year), and I can honestly say that when I’m presented with an opportunity to try something new, I will more than likely give it a go. Mostly.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of dining at Cin Cin, a wonderful italian ristorante in Vancouver. Italian food being favorite food of all, I was delighted for a chance to sample the wood fired italian cuisine. The caprese salad delicious, and the cappelletti–mozzarella-filled pasta with brown butter prosciutto di parma and sage–was to die for. Warmed by the tabletop candles, garlic sauces and italian spices, I could have stayed all night on the secluded patio. Then they brought out the bunny.

I’d never had rabbit before.  And even though I had recently threatened to skewer and barbecue the one that lives in my front yard and eats all my hostas, I never entertained the idea that I would want to try rabbit. But as I have a self-imposed rule to try one bite, I gave it a try.

The “saddle of rabbit wrapped in prosciutto and sage, with morel mushrooms, peas, ricotta gnudi and garlic puree,” was very tasty. And I was extremely proud of myself for not dismissing the new dish and choosing my “usual” italian favorite from the menu. I would never have known …

It’s easy to get stuck in a routine. Whether you’re ordering the same thing from the same restaurant every Friday night or using the same marketing tactics to promote your business. It can be scary stepping outside your comfort zone, but there’s no reward without risk.

We live in a time where things change fast. If you blink you just might miss the newest technology. And then it’s on to the next. Nothing is “new” for long. Whether we like it or not, this train is moving…with or without us.

So how are you doing with trying new ways to market your business? Are you afraid to jump into the conversations happening on Twitter?

Or are you glad you took that “one bite,” and are enjoying the rewards of engaging with customers through social media?

(Note: My youngest son — middle — really enjoyed the Fear Factory in Niagara Falls!)