Ask yourself what you have been doing for so long that it seems like everybody must know how to do this. Actually, they probably don’t. One of the wonders and glories of life is how different each of us is from everyone else.
If you grew up playing pool, for example, you might think it is something that is a “no-brainer.” Doesn’t everybody know these things? Or if you have always known how to sew, ever since you were a little kid, you wonder how it is possible for someone not to know how to thread a needle. It’s simple. They haven’t practiced.
Again, what have you done for many hours? What are you actually pretty darn good at doing? That’s your expertise. It may be something business related, or it may not. Even if you don’t see the direct relationship between your “non-business” skillset and your business, there is a connection. You can relate the skills of that pool player to strategic thinking, for example. Or the tailor, with the eye for detail and precision, has an ability to get and keep things in order.
If you are in a conversation with someone about what you do, it’s sometimes helpful to bring up some back story. In my case, I was brought up learning the skills of sewing and needlework, so for me it is second nature to “find the common thread” and communicate using precise language.
In fact, my first business, which I still have as a sideline, was and is making fine items by hand for women to enjoy. Sometimes, people ask me about other things that I do besides being a writing pro, and I can bring that in.
It’s surprising how people relate to other stories about who you are. Some people will also say that they share the same interests, and at the very least they will be entertained by learning more about you.
How does your “outside” skill correlate with what you do for a living? Think of yourself as an expert, and present yourself as one. Think of how learning one thing taught you how to learn another. Doing this will increase your ability to connect with your market.
The point here is that one skill set leads to another. In my writing system, Three Golden Apples, this is called golden Apple #2, Present Yourself as an Expert”, and there is more than one way to do it.
For example, showing that you have and expertise in one area gives a person reason to think that you have the ability to follow things through and stick with a task. People want to know that you will do that.
In Golden Apple #1, you learned to understand the language of your market...the way people communicate and the style of language they use. Now with golden Apple #2, you can present yourself as the person who "gets it" and be ready to show the solutions that are needed.
What is your professional expertise? How does it tie into your personal expertise? How can you create a story that shows your depth and your ability to learn and apply new sills?
Working with business owners to find new and interesting ways to shine in the market is my way of showing up for my community in service. I’ve spent a lot of time studying and practicing the arts of language, its nuances and how details make the difference.
Let’s talk about how I can support you in your personal and professional growth, by creating materials and stories that highlight you and your strengths.
https://calendly.com/bettywithrow/get-to-know-you-call
All my best, always,
Betty
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