Thursday, September 2, 2010
Unique ... NOW
To stand out in the market, companies must offer something so individually attractive and so valued that it transcends being merely a product. They must break through and capture a position in the minds of fickle and choosy consumers.
The alternatives are stark. You must either burn yourself into consumers’ consciousness and leave behind a warm glow—or drop abruptly out of the market. In the wealthy parts of the world, scarcity of goods is history. Now, the precious resource is the space in the minds of consumers. If you can also win their hearts, your message will be really engaging.
Unique NOW… or Never, Jesper Kunde
In the arena in which you are working, think of your skills and talents as the “product” you are selling to your employer, every day. Now, go back and re-read the above quotes and ask yourself, “Am I burning myself into my employer’s consciousness … and leaving behind a warm glow?”
In this economy, expertise and skill only go so far. Especially, if other potential employees possess the same level of skill as you do.
What is it about you that cause you to stand out and be noticed? (In a positive manner, of course!)
How does your direct supervisor experience you?
How do your co-workers experience you?
How do you know your perceptions are accurate?
Being a nice guy is not unique. In fact, “nice” is often synonymous with “bland.” Being a team player is necessary, but usually does not cause you to stand out—unless your team is filled with anarchists. Being good at what you do is necessary, but most everyone else around you is also good at what they do.
Each and every day you are selling yourself to your employers. Obviously, this requires that you keep adding value to the business through your skills and talents. However, it also requires that you position yourself to be noticed and experienced in a unique manner.
Don’t allow yourself to be lost in the crowd. If you aren’t being noticed, you don’t exist in the minds of the Powers That Be. If you don’t take up space in their minds and hearts, it won’t be long before you don’t take up space in the office.
Copyright, Monte E Wilson, 2010
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2 comments:
What are some ways to stay top-of-mind? In my line of work, as a government contractor, my customer is the federal government but my "boss" works at another location and manages multiple programs and projects so he rarely gets to see the fruit of my work. My customer is very happy with my work and tells me so often... how do I make sure that gets to my boss (for a bonus, pat on the back, promotion, etc.) without being A) nagging or B) a braggart?
Suggestions?
Figure out how to insure your boss hears about the satisfied customer. When the customer sends a note of appreciation, maybe send it along to boss? This way it the customer tooting your horn, not you.
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