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
Trish: The difficulty is two-fold here. First, you are tasked with describing yourself in a positive professional light in a manner that is accessible to the listener (i.e. no jargon words). Second, you were asked “what makes you unique.” My guess is that there are plenty of enthusiastic, creative leaders and motivators out there. What separates you from the crowd?
What I would say to a client or interviewer is that I’m an experienced conversation builder, with an unmatched network of talented peers, and a successful portfolio that continues to evolve with each change in the technological and economic landscape.
Hi Jonathan! Thanks for leaving your thoughts and suggestions.
I agree. It’s difficult. Which is why I stumbled with the question. I still think my words describe who I am and how I’m unique because it’s not what I say about myself - it’s what others say about me.
You have a substantial response. One that I would consider highly impressionable. How would you shorten that up to 3 or 4 words?
Again, thanks for the comments. Let’s get some dialog going here!
Best, Trish
Nice site. I just bookmarked you on my bloglines.
Add A Comment