I’ve been doing a lot of introspection over the past several months. Making the transition from a corporate HR executive to HR Consultant and speaker requires some pretty serious mindset shifts. Through this process, one question keeps coming up for me to focus on and wrestle with.
“What makes you different from everyone else?”
This is a really important question when you are trying to sell your services to others. But, it’s also a critical question to consider as a professional in any field (we are all selling our services whether we recognize it or not). It is the answer to this question to makes us stand out, that differentiates us from the person in the office or cubicle next to us.
Where this question gets really important is when you consider the gap between how others would answer this question about your (their perception of your uniqueness) and how you actually intend to stand out (your aspirations and intentions). Bringing these two things into alignment goes a long way towards helping you find your way to the job of your dreams.
To really excel within any career, it’s important to wrestle with this question. Not once, but with regularity over the years. Standing out is what makes you memorable.
Be memorable.
Good post Jason. I think it's a good thing to think of yourself as a brand. That way you can begin to think in the right way and look at how you can differentiate yourself from the competition, both at home and abroad.
Bulls-eye Jason! Good job. I highly recommend the writings of Edwin Friedman and his concept of self-differentiation(based on Murray Bowen). I'm not concerned with building my brand per se. I am concerned about building my "self" vision as a leader. How I view and position myself as a leader. How I act, or not act. How I respond to the many relationships that cross my path each day. Containing my reactivity and, maintaining a non-anxious presence as a leader. One doesn't do this to be noticed, but such a level of clarity will attract the attention of those who are in your care, and in turn reduce their anxiety level in the roles they play.
Spot on! It is more than being "different." Differentiation may be a subtle play on words, but it brings in the aspiration, uniqueness, and intentions more than just being "different." The essential point is what you state: "Be memorable."
Thanks, Jason!
Hi Jason, good blog post. For me its all about finding your authentic purpose and if you live and work from within you will succeed. #goauthentic http://www.facebook.com/goauthentic please join.
If I may Jason, rather than being différent In your business venture, try to be useful. Therefore ask potentiel clients "How can I be useful to you?"
Good article! Something healthy to remember whenever starting something new is that one's comparative knowledge goes to zero. You may feel pressured to immediately prove yourself, to showcase your talents and potential, and execute tasks immediately. Fortunately, you will likely just get chalked up to being inexperienced and "green". It doesn't have to be this way. Instead, gather information, prioritize, develop your plan and then execute.
Choose initial projects wisely. Ensure you are a product of your product (because, if you are not your prospective clients will see it, yet never be candid with you about their doubts).
I had plenty of experience when I started my business almost 10 years ago, but I carefully chose a couple of "beta clients" and hired one of the best professional coaches in the country as my coach, model and mentor. These became priceless strategic moves that may have slowed me down at first but have paid big dividends in the long run.
I wish you the very best and much success in your new endeavor.
I've often been told I am the 'energizer bunny.' The 'sunshine' of the office. The 'light in the dark.' All HUGE compliments! Love people…that's how you can be memorable! 🙂
Thank you to all of your for the great comments. This has been a great process for me to undertake and I recommend it to everyone, even if it's in a more modest form. Standing out is important. We should all strive to do work that leaves a mark on the world.