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Sometimes it pays to be a "Jill of all trades" when you're a service business owner, but ultimately you probably discover that there are some things you like to do for clients better than others. Figuring out what you truly love to do in your work with your clients is key to your success -- and theirs. I call this process "discovering your brilliance" -- discovering those gifts and talents you bring to the table that really make your heart sing. Determining your brilliance is a very effective client attraction device and is instrumental in helping you fill your practice.
Do you just absolutely love anything to do with online marketing? Is it writing and editing articles that floats your boat? Do you love to get home offices in shape? Is designing one-page websites what really turns you on? Is there no better tax forecasting bookkeeper in the world than you? Is anything related to ebook graphic design something that will really make your day? The key to success in a service business is to lead with your gifts -- with your brilliance. My personal gift is marketing strategy, although I never realized it until after I started my business. In my former career in college student housing, we referred to this as programming. Imagine my surprise when I finally connected the dots and realized what I had learned about marketing along the way! I know this is my gift because when I'm involved in marketing activities, time seems to disappear. Several weeks ago I was so deeply engrossed in some marketing activity that I completely forgot to call my virtual assistant for our weekly appointment. She called me to make sure everything was ok, as I don't typically forget to call her. I could really relate to time flying when I was having fun!
Here are 6 questions you can ask yourself to get in touch with your brilliance:
1. What is it that you do better than anyone else in the world?
2. What's your purpose -- for what reason were you put in this world?
3. What causes people to seek you out regularly?
4. For what do you want to become known as the "go-to" person?
5. What kinds of things do your friends and colleagues tell you that you excel at?
6. What activity engages you so fully that time seems to slip away unnoticed? Pay attention to these moments, as they're a great indicator about what you find easy, effortless, and fun.
The answers to these questions will help you determine what you enjoy and makes you unique. What naturally happens when you discover your brilliance is that clients are attracted to you for your skills in that area of brilliance. Get in touch with your brilliance, and see how that will make your practice prosper!
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