April, 2004

Blind Spot = Talent

As a professional speaker, I am often asked where I get my ideas for programs and speeches. As long-time readers know, most of my ideas come from my life experiences.

For example, my program, The Money Is in Your Blind Spot!™" was inspired by a conversation with a young co-worker. From him, I learned that not everything I know is universally known! It was quite a surprise at the time, when I was only 28, to learn that I know or understand at least a few things that others do not. These things are the ones I call Blind Spots," and everyone has them.

It's tough for most people to recognize that they have gifts unique to them. This is easy for me. Isn't it easy for everyone?" The answer is, Absolutely not!" There may be several people who can speak to an audience as well as I can, but not one person can duplicate me and my style.

Part of my style is due to my genetics, the physical attributes I inherited from my parents. Part of it is because of my upbringing. And much of it is attributable to what I have experienced, learned, and studied.

You also have a set of talents that is unique to you. What we usually think of as talent," such as a good singing voice, the ability to paint or draw, or being able to act, leaves out so many of those Blind Spots.

For example, are you good at organization in your job? Do you plan your time well, meet deadlines with ease, and keep papers filed and your inbox emptied? Next time you stroll the halls of your company, take a look at everyone else's office. Oh, yes, you have talent!

Or maybe you are that person in the office to whom everyone comes for counseling. I have a friend who jokingly referred to herself as the camp counselor" of her office. Did she hang out a shingle, formally inviting her co-workers to cry on her shoulder and share their troubles? Of course not. But they were drawn to her for her sympathy and good advice.

Or are you the one who quietly takes care of business and keeps the company running, either in the mail room, the IT department, the HR office, or the executive suite? Maybe you don't toot your own horn, but you are more valuable than you dare admit to yourself.

Do this little exercise for me: Take a moment now to list your gifts. Yes, actually write them down on paper. Even if you only come up with one, look at that one with pride. Know that you, in your uniqueness, have a gift to share than no one can imitate.

Now, put that piece of paper in your desk drawer or your pocket or on your desk and look at it every day for a week. Remind yourself of your value. Check that mirror and look into those Blind Spots! And if you need a little help with that, well, you know where to find me!

Wishing you health, wealth, and happiness,

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Steven works with entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals who want to clarify their communications and concepts so that they can dramatically increase their business profitability.

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