What is your unique selling point? What skills do you possess that make you really stand out?
Everyone has unique set of skills and talents, and that is what makes each one of us special. There is always that thing/things you are renowned for. It could be that you are great at marketing and writing proposals, or good with numbers and no one can balance a budget like you can , or you are great at resolving conflicts. Whichever one it is, there is surely something there. You might think it is not a skill because it is easy, but actually there are many people who cannot do it as well as you do. Finding your strengths and actively using them is key to succeeding in any career.
Yet to figure out what skills set you apart? Here are 2 steps to guide you:
Make a list of skills
The first step is to identify all the skills you have. Grab a paper and pen and write down all the skills you think you have. It is important that you take your time while doing this. Make sure your list is complete.
When you are done, go over the list again to check if there are any skills you omitted.
Narrow down your strongest skills
What comes naturally to you? Which of the skills you have written down makes you feel strong? Take a look back to past jobs or responsibilities carried out, more especially your performance reviews. Recall the times when you felt invigorated, inquisitive, and successful at something, these moments are clues to what your strengths really are. Figure out what part of your job you look forward to the most. Concentrate on coming up with at least three skills you consider your strongest.
You love to do what you’re good at, and you will be better when you keep practicing. After you are done identifying your strongest skills, the next step is to start enhancing those core skills, engaging your strengths, and continue discovering what you’re truly passionate about in your career.
Emotional, physical and mental wellness are all important for employees to succeed in the workplace but how about financial wellness?
Money problems have been noted to be a major cause of stress and this can affect the productivity of your staff. Many of them are nervous about their financial future and don’t know where to learn how to manage finances or find available options. When they are deep in debt and money isn’t coming in as expected, it may take a toll on their health and thus affect focus on work. Therefore, financial education is very important.
A referral is one of the best sources for finding new career/ business opportunities and securing job interviews. Though getting a referral might not automatically land you a new job, you will have a better chance of getting hired if a reputable person refers or recommends you for a position. It opens a pathway for you to demonstrate that you are worth being given a shot.
Here is our 5-step strategy for getting referrals.
Stay in the radar:
Social media has made it quite easy to keep in touch with industry professionals and follow up on job openings as they pop up daily. Leverage on your social media accounts to reach out to top-level executives (influencers) that may be instrumental to your getting picked for the position. Send a creative intro to them detailing what you do and your value proposition accompanied with a CV. Check-in once in a while to make sure they don’t forget about you in their busy schedules but be careful not to act like a pest.
Build Trust:
You can get referred for a job without necessarily practicing pushy sales pitch. This can only happen if you build confidence in people. In your daily relations with others, build confidence and trust through your actions. If you ever get a chance to serve in any capacity, be diligent and deliver what you promise and when you promise. Do not overpromise and under-deliver.
Create value in your current role:
Make every job you do or the role you play outstanding. Always keep in mind that your job is important and contributes to the overall success of the company. If you do not take your job seriously, it will reflect on the output through your careless attitude towards it. Add an extra touch to any task you are given to perform. This reinforces point 2. Having a quantifiable track record of value-added makes it easy for you to be recommended for other open positions within the workplace or even for a promotion.
Provide a solution:
Take the bull by the horn and be proactive. Get in touch with a resource person in a company you would love to work in, identify their current need or challenge, map out a possible solution then write a proposal for them giving hints on your idea then request for a one-on-one to provide a breakdown of your idea if they are interested.
Attend and network at industry events:
Attend industry events and be on the lookout for employers or company reps whom you think may be of help. Go prepared to deliver an elevator pitch whenever an opportunity presents itself. Angle to see if there are any opportunities they can refer or recommend you to.
