A few weeks ago I gave a presentation to over 125 people on how to articulate their uniqueness through personal and professional branding. After all, everyone will always have to answer the question, “What makes you unique?” Sometimes the wording of that question will vary depending on the situation.
For instance, in a job interview it might be asked, “Why should we hire you?” For my former clients who were recording artists trying to secure a label deal, the label heads ask, “Why should we sign you?” For a budding entrepreneur, investors might ask, “Why should we invest in you?” In each case, what is really being asked is, “What makes you unique?” In other words, what is your personal brand?
Understanding Your Uniqueness
I work a lot with my clients on helping them determine the answer to that question (because they often find it’s not an easy one to answer), and then how to appropriately articulate it. While I have my own effective method of doing this, this morning I read a devotional entitled “Understand Your Child’s Uniqueness.” The ways it suggests to discern your children’s uniqueness are also ways we can use to understand our own uniqueness:
- What are your interests? Do you like numbers, colors, activities, etc.?
- What are your relationships like? Are you a leader, a follower, a team player, an independent spirit?
- What kind of environment do you thrive in? Do you prefer to stand out in a crowd or to blend in with a crowd? Do you do better at learning a subject as opposed to being tested on that subject?
- What are your strengths? (This is something I spend a lot of time on in helping my clients define and articulate their personal brand.)
A Good Example
This morning’s devotional stated, “Childhood tendencies often forecast adult abilities.” This is no big revelation. It makes perfect sense, and most of us already know this.
But I loved the example the writer of the devotional used to illustrate this point. As a boy, King David displayed two strengths: fighting (against Goliath) and music. As a result, David grew up to be a victorious warrior in numerous battles against the enemy, and became a talented harpist and gifted songwriter, writing many of the Psalms. The example of David is a perfect one to show you don’t have to be and do just one thing.
I have a lot of clients who have spent years working in one area of their strengths or interests, but are ready to explore their other interests and develop new skills. They need help figuring out how to make this transition. This includes helping them articulate what makes them unique from others who are doing the same thing with the same abilities.
What Makes You Unique?
Do you know what sets you apart from others with similar interests and skills? If not, I’ll soon be sharing both in person and online my personal branding method designed to help you determine your uniqueness and how to articulate it.
In-person workshops will be held through Nashville Community Education on Tuesday, May 31st at 7:00-8:00 pm and Tuesday, June 7th at 7:00-8:00 pm. Cost is $45 (price includes both class dates). Registration is required at http://bit.ly/communityedclass.
To ensure you receive updates on both the in-person and online workshops, subscribe to the paNASH newsletter. If you prefer one-on-one assistance in this area, take a moment to complete the paNASH intake form and schedule an appointment for an initial consultation. I’d love to hear from you!
