Yesterday, I asked you a simple question: if you could only be known for one specific thing, what would it be and why?
I had some interesting responses, ranging from the highly specific:
“…helping BVFLS people build/grow/scale successful solo practices.”
to philosophical in nature:
“Sowing Radical Futures” because the current trajectory isn’t good for our children; in other words, I had enough awareness to see and resilience to act.
Interestingly, what is also coming up now is:
Do I really want to be know for this? Wouldn’t I rather be known for the kindest, funniest, open-hearted, loving person by my close family, friends and community…! The interesting dilemma of integrating personal worldview and work worldview.”
Putting aside the topic of combining personal and professional worldviews, this question was meant to provoke you to think in specifics.
We’re all generalists.
We all have more skills and interests than we could possibly include in our work.
And if we’re not careful, it could send a confusing message to the market if you try to be known for too many things.
In my experience, a major key to getting noticed, hired, and recommended is to make intentional trade-offs around what you want to be known for.
If you’re lucky, people will associate you with one main thing. And that’s still a big if. Most people only have a vague notion in their heads about what we do.
The point is to get clear and specific on what you want to be known for by first eliminating the noise.
Sure, you can add flavour to your work. You can introduce your personal views if you feel so inclined. You can be multi-dimensional.
As long as you keep the main thing the main thing. This is the heart of all marketing strategy.
It’s the trade-offs that make us successful.
—kevin