What makes you, you?
There is only one you. And you need to own it.
And I needed to remind myself of this fact because as a female solopreneur, this is a case of “the cobbler’s children have no shoes.” Let me explain.
Fifteen months ago, I wrote a blog post titled, “Female entrepreneurs, you are unique.”
In it, I talked about clients who think the market is crowded and wonder why they should bother, as it’s already been done before, likely better than they ever could.
And I shared my standard, heartfelt response:
“There's only one you, with your unique set of experiences, your expertise, your passions, your interests. And if you've not done it, it's not and done before.”
Along with a short bit on imposter syndrome and an exercise to help you get clear on what makes you unique.
You would think I have done the exercise myself, right? But, you would be mistaken. Insert the cobbler’s children.
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Right timing.
The important things tend to keep tapping at our mental windows until we pay attention. That’s what’s been happening to me. A couple of weeks ago, I had a tremendously helpful conversation with a talented, insightful coach. Afterward, I thought, “You know, you should do your “unique” exercise.” And I put it on my to-do list.
Where it sat until I was reminded of it once again. This time while reading a book I started over the weekend — a sensible, inspiring, kick-in-the-ass kind of book — titled, “Awaken Your Genius: Escape Conformity, Ignite Creativity & Become Extraordinary.”
I had heard a podcast interview with the author, Ozan Varol, and it piqued my curiosity. I’ve never been one to conform, but the idea that he could show me how to cut through the competitive noise and kickstart my creativity had me hooked.
In the introduction to the book, I read his variation of the theme I quoted above (a bit eerie), and then in Chapter 4, his question, “What makes you you?” — a question I’ve often posed to clients, but never to myself.
Clearly, the time has come.
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In order to have a profitable business...
Here’s why this is important. To run a thriving, profitable business, you need to stand out. You need to be remarkable or extraordinary.
According to Mr. Varol, “Becoming extraordinary means becoming more like yourself.” And to do so, you need to embrace, not erase, your idiosyncrasies. Those things that make you, you.
He calls it “embracing your purple” (his favorite color, even as a boy, which he was embarrassed to admit to anyone, instead telling people it was blue).
When you do, you’ll stand out and attract those people who share (or at least appreciate) your idiosyncrasies, while repelling those who don’t. You’ll call in your ideal client or customer who wants what you, and only you, have to offer.
This is gold.
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If you find yourself in “why bother” mode, or curious as to how you can “embrace your purple” to attract your perfectly-aligned people, give the exercise a try.
Scroll down to the section, “An Exercise as an Antidote to Imposter Syndrome & to Get Clear on What Makes You Unique.” There, you’ll find three simple steps to follow to get to the wondrousness of you.
I’ll be right there with you.
And if you’re up for sharing, I’d love you to send it to me when you’re done. You know where to find me.