Trish Skram’s Blog

Yesterday I was asked by a local business professional to describe what makes me unique from my competition … in only a few words. Interesting, right? I think I squandered a bit. Bummer. Here’s the thing, the question wasn’t referenced to my employer, it was meant to me. What makes me different than other business professionals in the area?

I was in a “relationship building” meeting with one of the local businesses that I keep in touch with from time-to-time about their membership with Forward Janesville Inc., Janesville’s chamber of commerce. The meeting was to discuss membership discounts, events, community initiatives and opportunities. It ended up as a personal interview about myself. Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind talking about my company or myself when the time is right. I expect that, given my profession. But I was intrigued with the question, mainly because I had never really thought about that before.

As communicators, we know how important it is to have an “elevator pitch” and to be able to explain what it is that we do for a living. I do believe it’s important to be able to describe what we (or our business) can bring to the table in a clear, concise way. I just didn’t realize I’d ever be asked in only a few words. I have prepared myself for next time. Thing is, my mentor (and teacher) in college encouraged us to do just this in an assignment. I wish I had kept that paper. I’m sure it’s on a flash drive somewhere. It would be interesting to see what I said. Have those words changed? Not sure.

So how do you come up with just a few words? I took some time to look back through my recent LinkedIn recommendations, emails and “feel good” files and looked for common themes. If you don’t have recommendations or testimonials, you could get feedback by asking people you work with for just one word to describe you.

I came up with my few words to describe me: enthusiastic, creative, leader, motivator. Have you ever pondered this? Who are you, in just a few words? Share below.

Image provided by pewresearch.org

Technorati Tags: in a few words, professional advice for communicators and business professionals, Random "Trish" Thoughts, Who are you

Pictured above: Me and Amy at the Jingle Bell 5K in December 2009.

About 15 months ago, my friend Amy and I, were running the trail with co-workers one hot, summer day. As we ran, our group leader, ran the trail just floating along. Soft on her feet. She talked with no hesitation, without exhaustion. Terry stepped ever so lightly, as though she were running over glass. I marveled at her movements. I remember feeling so jealous of her effortless endurance and pace. I turned to Amy. “How does she do it?” I puffed. (We were only a few miles in.) She smiled: “She trains every week. It takes time. You’ll see, we’ll get there, too.”

I don’t usually do this. I don’t use my blog to write about too many personal things but it’s been so heavy on my mind and in each and every little thing that I do that I found it impossible to suppress. As many of you know, I’m training for a half marathon in August. As I got my last two training schedules from my trainer today, I couldn’t help but ponder over the fact that it’s already been five months. I’ve been training 6 days a week, one, sometimes two hours a day, preparing my body to endure a two-hour race and it’s almost actually here. I started working out a few years ago, just to live healthier and ended up running a few 5Ks. Now, 7 pounds lighter, a few inches thinner and running more than 10 miles per week, I realize what my journey has become. My journey to live healthier has turned into a true testament of my mental and physical capabilities. I’m so proud to say, I’M REALLY RUNNING THIS THING.

I now run more than I did 15 months ago. I owe a lot of that motivation to Amy and my co-workers. Without them, especially Amy, I wouldn’t be as disciplined as I am. We’re running 2-3 times per week. We’re making time for cross training in between, like group strength and Turbo Kick, which has increased our endurance and speed. It’s really amazing to see how far we’ve come.

It’s been tough. Between trying to fight fatigue, cramps, blisters, dehydration, exhaustion (at times) or that late night ice cream bar, I still go back at it, rarely missing a class or training session. My eating habits have completely changed. I guess you could say I’ve made exercise and healthy eating a regular habit. A habit that will never really go away. At least I hope.

But despite what I do or don’t do, I’ve stopped judging myself all the time. For those of you that know me, I get competitive at times. My goal is simple: Run 13.2 miles. Enjoy it. Savor it. Feel accomplished. Running is exhilarating. The more I train my body, the better I feel physically, mentally and emotionally. So for me, is well worth the aches and pains.

Wish me luck at the Chicago half marathon!

Technorati Tags: 2010 Chicago half marathon, how to train for a half marathon, Random "Trish" Thoughts, training for a half marathon, well worth the aches and pains