Every so often, we find ourselves revisiting our dreams and visions, so that we can carve out a destiny, and live a life that is more joyful.

Never before have we had more opportunity to create what we want, in line with our passion and purpose, to dream big, and pursue our grand plans.

But I have noticed something…

That in our clamour to re-invent, re-create, and re-design our businesses, that it is easy to toss out some of our greatest assets, the pieces of our ‘old life’ that we deem no longer valuable, or not part of our future direction.

Sometimes when we are looking to the future, it is so bright that a shadow can be cast on our greatest gifts and they get overlooked.

But, when I left the world of media publishing and sales, to enter the world of health and fitness (my passion), I said goodbye to the old corporate suit and hello to the world of lycra and spandex. As far as I was concerned, those paths would never cross again. If you’re like me, you’ve probably had a

variety of jobs and several careers. I’ve been a sales person, an advertising executive, an aerobics instructor, and a health policy writer. I’ve sold vacuum cleaners, sweated with the best of them, written millions of dollars worth of advertising, built a gym membership from 150 to 1400 and and been a part of health planning reform.

As we carve out our new destiny’s, pursue our visions and fulfill our purpose, I want to emphasise the importance of being all that we are. Of harnessing the skills we have developed over the years, and embracing every element that can help us to shine in our own unique way.

Our past careers and work lives are part of that. It is the unique blend of our background and experiences that make us who we are, shape our story, and highlight what makes us different. These differences are to be embraced.

What makes you unique? Let it shine!

When it comes to marketing, it is very important that you are able to stand out. This doesn’t mean that you need to yell and scream ‘look at me’, but it does mean that your potential prospects need to be able to recognise how you are different to your competition in a positive way, and that you are the right choice for them. This means highlighting your differences in way that is easy to relate to. All too often I witness brilliant backgrounds becoming lost in a sea of sameness, when there is clearly a gap in the market for their unique blend of knowledge and abilities. Never be ashamed of your past.

Embrace it in all it’s glory.

Can you stand out from the crowd?

Asking yourself these questions will help you to identify your uniqueness?

• How are you unique and distinct?
• What sets you apart from your competitors
• What is the main focus of your service?
• What is unusual about what you do?
• How does that benefit your customer?
• What can’t they get anywhere else?
• What can the get elsewhere, but no-one is pointing it out?
• What will your clients experience when they visit you? How does this differ to other similar services?

What do YOU do differently?

Can you complete these sentences?

I am the only one who works with people who have ___________________________

I use my story of _________________________ to relate to my clients

No one else is offering __________________________________

I am the only one who is prepared to guarantee __________________________________

I sound different to my competitors by staking my claim in __________________________

People seek me out because of my ____________________________________________

Stake your claim!!

I would love to hear about your coloured past! What unique backgrounds do you have? How did that influence what you are doing today? How does it benefit your clients now?

Share it in the comments below……