A 2-Minute Gut Check – Featuring Barry LaBov
Hey, Bob here!
Every now and then,?
you meet someone whose story
captures the essence of getting comfortable being uncomfortable.?
This week, I had the privilege of speaking with Barry LaBov—
a name synonymous with creativity, leadership, and grit.
From pursuing dreams in the music world?
to founding an award-winning marketing company,?
Barry’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery,?
and building something meaningful.
The Power of Pushing Through
Barry’s story starts with a dream: to be a rock-and-roll musician.?
Armed with passion and a handful of songs co-written with his wife,?
he set out for New York City with a staggering 40 appointments?
lined up in a single week.?
But what awaited him was a harsh reality check.
The first publisher listened to just seconds of each song?
before telling Barry he had no talent and no future in the music business.?
Crushed, Barry was ready to give up and head home.?
But his wife, his unwavering support system, reminded him,?
“That’s just one person’s opinion. Let’s keep going.”
And she was right.?
The very next meeting was with Billy Joel’s publishing company,?
where every song was listened to in full.?
Not only did they offer to publish one of his songs,?
but Barry left with a renewed sense of purpose.
Out of 40 appointments, one was a triumph, and one was a disaster.?
But it was enough to remind him: success isn’t about never failing—
it’s about persevering through the failures.
Lessons from Barry’s Journey
1. Don’t Let One Opinion Define You
Barry’s story is a testament to resilience.?
One person’s critique doesn’t determine your worth or potential.?
The key is to keep showing up.
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2. Lean on Your Support System
Whether it’s a partner, friend, or mentor,?
the people who believe in you can help you keep moving forward?
when you’re ready to quit.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Out of 40 meetings, Barry’s success rate was small—but it was significant.?
Every step forward matters, no matter how small it seems.
Why Differentiation Matters
Barry’s journey into marketing revealed a powerful truth:?
differentiation is everything.?
As the founder of LaBov & Beyond Marketing,?
he’s partnered with iconic brands like Harley-Davidson, Audi, and The Macallan,?
helping them uncover what makes them truly unique in a crowded marketplace.
For Barry, it’s not about creating magic; it’s about discovering it.?
By asking one profound question—
“What’s the one thing you should never change?”—
he helps brands and individuals find their essence and build on it.?
It’s a lesson we can all apply:
true growth starts with knowing and owning your unique value.
Uncomfortable Picks of the Week
Barry’s book is a roadmap to uncovering your unique value and using it to stand out.?
It’s packed with actionable insights and stories that inspire,?
showing how to lean into your strengths and make a lasting impact.
Barry’s story is a testament to the power of embracing discomfort, learning from rejection,?
and discovering your magic. It’s not just a mantra—it’s a way of life.
Until next time,
Bob
In Case You Missed It
What’s your story of differentiation??
I’d love to hear it—comment below and share it with me.
Grab your copy of my book Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
and start your journey to becoming the best version of yourself!