Robin Fisher Roffer is CEO of Big Fish Marketing, one of the entertainment industry's preeminent brand marketing and digital advertising agencies, with clients such as A&E, Bravo, CNN, Comedy Central, FX, MTV, NBC Universal, and Sony Pictures.

In your book, you talk about being a ‘fearless fish’, which means to recognize that we should turn our uniqueness into strengths to help us get ahead of the competition and to ensure that we stand out from the crowd when we aspire to be recognized for our talent and achievements. What is one way you recommend that we can do this?

People who are different are perfectly positioned to make a difference. Joining a cause or starting your own charitable organization will make you look like a hero, a true leader that has dimension. In the US, research shows that people would rather do business with companies that do good in the world. This is true for people, too. Being part of a pro-social campaign, one that you believe in and that you are truly passionate about, creates trust, builds relationships and makes you relevant. Bono and Oprah Winfrey are perfect examples.

It's not the wallflower that's going to get their company to go green or the conformist who will help raise funds to build schools for the poor - it's the one outside the circle that's perfectly positioned to make things happen!

Being a ‘fearless fish’ often means that we have to go out of our comfort zones, and many of us find this very difficult to do. What are 2 ways to overcome this fear in ourselves?

Anyone can perform well when things are going smoothly. However, what determines real character is adversity. To overcome the fear of challenging times or circumstances, look back on a time when you overcame a difficult situation. How did you do it? Apply the same principles. Everyone has a track record of success to draw from, but they forget what they can do when fear takes hold of them. After searching for those winning examples, practice the ABC's of being a fearless fish: Action, Belief and Courage.

Ask yourself–

What are 3 ways that one can go about becoming a ‘fearless fish’ to achieve success and excellence in one’s career path?

1. Find a mentor, business coach or partner who believes in your dream - someone who wants to see you succeed and can support you along the way.

2. Focus on what you bring to the table that's needed right now in this economy by taking an accounting of your unique attributes. Then, talk about these talents with the people who matter to your success.

3. Give the world an authentic representation of who you are. Remember that the stories that we tell about ourselves is what others will believe. Prove with concrete evidence why you are indispensable, and that's exactly what you'll be.

How does one balance being different from others as a ‘fearless fish’, while maintaining harmonious ties with people around them (like colleagues and bosses)?

It all starts with making an effort to get to know the people in your company or industry with whom you feel you have little in common. Through ‘Googling’ them and asking questions and then listening intently, you can discover connections where no obvious ones exist and capitalize on them not through artifice and manipulation to suit your agenda, but to truly develop associations where you can mutually benefit one another in a positive way.

You may feel like a fish out of water, but by understanding the company culture and choosing to align with the values that resonate with your own, you'll be heading inside your way, without alienating those around you. And, when you focus on the positive aspects of your different-ness instead of on trying to blend in or go for shock value, your success can be unbounded. My book, The Fearless Fish Out of Water has the 7 essential steps that will show you how to live your truth and have it all!