How do you answer the question “What do you do?” Most people answer with their job titles. A better way is to answer this question with your skills. “I am a negotiator and a project manager.” Doing this will naturally create more opportunities as people will relate your skills to their situation instead of confining you to yours. For example, I use my negotiation and project management expertise in energy consulting, house flipping, business acquisitions, and gymnastics coaching.
The more you consciously focus on your skills instead of your job functions, the more you will realize how versatile and valuable you are. You will begin to see opportunities as a combination of skills, making large tasks less daunting. You will also begin to identify the skills of others as well, opening up resources you previously didn’t realize you had access to.
Take a moment to answer the following questions:
What are your most valuable skills? How do you use them outside of your job? How do you use them to complement the weaknesses of others?
