Happy Anniversary! One year ago this month I launched my first ever ezine column. It has been an amazing year and I truly love writing these monthly messages to inspire you to improve your connections. I have been so blessed by the many notes I’ve received from readers who each month look forward to reading my column, and then continue to forward it on to their network. Our subscription continues to climb thanks to you!
The success of this ezine really has to do with a decision I made a year ago to get “really” focused on what I wanted to do; what am I really good at doing and what is my calling and purpose for my time here on earth.
When I launched my own speaking and training business eight years ago I accepted just about any job request. I needed to generate some income, clientele, and experience. However, like many people I meet who are stuck in jobs that they are good at doing but hate, I had found myself in the same rut. I was good at delivering programs on conflict management and dealing with difficult people but I had no passion for it. I remember looking at myself in a mirror of a hotel room 14 months ago and saying, “Stop the madness!” I was about to deliver a program that clients liked, but I had lost enthusiasm for its message.
It takes some guts to walk away from lucrative contracts and steady work to pursue what you really want to do. My husband and family thought I was crazy. But I’m convinced if you have a clear focus, and your research shows there is a need and/or buyer out there for what you have to offer, you owe it to yourself to free up your future so you can pursue it.
You also must have a focus statement to be able to articulate what it is you do, how you do it and what differentiates you from everyone else. Some of you have heard me refer to this as “the 17 second drill.” You need to be able to clearly and concisely say in fewer than 17 seconds what you do – and what you’re known for doing – to make a positive first impression.
When I focused on Perfecting Connecting I came up with this focus statement:
“I work with companies and organizations who want a personality-centered, results-based approach to mastering the art of connecting with anyone, anywhere, anytime.”
With the release of my book, by cutting my offerings to only programs that focused on perfecting connecting, and launching this ezine column, I have solidified my brand to attract and retain clients who want what I have to offer. The more focused I got, the busier I got! It’s really that simple. I wish I could show you the hundreds of e-mails I received from people who claim that once they were able to articulate their defining focus statement (17 second drill) job opportunities appeared, contracts came in, and most importantly, they found renewed energy and passion.
Every day when you leave your home, stand in a line at the grocery store, wait in a doctor’s office or ride in an elevator, someone may ask you, “So… what do you do?” Your ability to answer this question with clarity, commitment, and focus may determine your next opportunity and your future.
Here are just a few tips along with a worksheet from my book, Perfecting Connecting, A Guide to Mastering Networking in the Workplace (Telos 2004) to help you define your focus statement.
Perfecting Connecting® Action Steps:
1. Be clear and concise. You want people to be intrigued but not confused. Follow the KISS rule: Keep it Simple and Short.
2. Be Catchy. Be memorable and stand out. If you can come up with a focus statement that is easy to repeat to others than you’ve just developed the No. 1 marketing tool you will ever need to grow your business or find a new job. Download the PDF worksheet attached from my book to help you find your uniqueness.
3. Be real. Use common words and language that everyone can relate to and understand. Remember, how you say it is more important than what you say. Surprisingly, people can read and hear your nonverbal language louder than your words.
My hope on this anniversary month is that you will take 30 minutes right now to think about your focus statement; it just may change the course of your life. It did for me.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day,
