Appreciating and Communicating Your Value

It's a common scenario. Although the specific circumstances may differ, the challenge often remains the same: we professional women seldom understand our true value. Perhaps it's because we continue to be paid, on average, less than men to only then have to prove ourselves by doing more. Or, perhaps it's because we've been taught from our earliest years to value the humble individual--the Mother Theresa who gives, but never takes.

Successfully selling our candidacy to a prospective employer by communicating our ability to make a difference in the achievement of an organization's mission--our value--depends on our willingness to uncover and package our gifts, and to serve them up on a sparkling silver platter. Following are three simple truths you can incorporate into your "silent script"-the self-talk which guides your thinking, as well as your behavior, throughout your career development.

1. You are unique

"Everyone has an MBA.a BA.a HS degree."

"Everyone is a team player.a leader.an effective communicator."

Erase any self-talk leading you to believe anything less than the honest truth, which is that you are a unique individual. No one else knows everything you know, can do everything you do, or deliver in the manner that you do. The fact is, not everyone really is a team player, a natural leader, or an effective communicator, so explore the things you do well, and claim them as your own.

2. You are an achiever

Everyone has a unique definition of success. Exploring your priorities, beliefs and ambitions can help you arrive at your own criteria and uncover the value in all of your personal and professional achievements.

3. You are a worthwhile investment

Whether it's "selling" yourself to a prospective employer, "marketing" yourself for a promotion, or deciding whether or not to invest in your own professional development, be confident in the knowledge that you are a worthwhile investment.

After all, your unrealized ambitions await you.

Action Steps:

1. Identify those things you do well-your natural strengths-and present them as a unique package only you offer.

2. Explore your unique definition of success and measure yourself using your definition, not those of others.

3. Clearly understand your worth, and communicate it to others.

About The Author

Susan Eckert, MA, CCM, CPRW is Principal of Advance Career & Professional Development which offers affordable, comprehensive career support. Visit her website at www.advancecareerdevelopment.com for information regarding free services which include a free resume evaluation, monthly career advancement newsletter and 1 hour career coaching session.

susan@advancecareerdevelopment.com

In The News:


Once a tourist attraction, now a forgotten tale
The Statesman, India - 7 hours ago
MIDNAPORE, Aug. 21: Unlike the lukewarm attitude of the state government, the Centre is keen to promote tourism in Jhargram subdivision of Midnapore West, ...

EU's added attraction in prime cattle market
Stock and Land, Australia - 10 hours ago
Southern Qld works are now quoting up to 400c/kg dressed over-the-hook for suitable EU two and four-tooth steers. While the best grassfed steers are 335c, ...

Death Show is a fatal attraction
Winnipeg Sun, Canada - 19 hours ago
By BROOSE TULLOCH Death is always a good career move. Just look at Elvis, Jimi, Tupac ... and Estudio Luna Galleria owner Wanda Luna. If you know Luna, ...

Londonist

Ripley Entertainment opens London attraction
Bizjournals.com, NC - Aug 20, 2008
Ripley Entertainment Inc. plans to open a new Ripley's Believe It or Not! attraction in London on Aug. 20. The new attraction will be located in London's ...
Ripley's opens London attraction Tourism Central . . . Florida
World Famous Ripley's Believe It or Not! Opens its Doors in London ... MarketWatch
all 11 news articles

National Post

Questions & Artists: Animal Attraction
National Post, Canada - Aug 20, 2008
With luxury pet boutiques and pricey dog whisperers now considered common-rather than kooky-in most Canadian cities, it's clear that animals hold an exalted ...

New Zealand Dollar May Advance on Attraction of Higher Yields
Bloomberg - Aug 18, 2008
By Tracy Withers Aug. 19 (Bloomberg) -- The New Zealand dollar may rise as investors are attracted to the nation's higher yields amid signs that economies ...

Dismantled Beatty Mills Bridge to get new life as historic attraction
Leader Times, PA - 16 hours ago
They said they see the potential of having it as a tourism attraction for the county. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in ...

Saltaire is top unique attraction
Bradford Telegraph Argus, UK - Aug 20, 2008
It is certainly a unique tourist attraction, both the village itself and the immediate area with the Shipley Glen Tramway and Baildon Moor, which are all ...

Economy bites city attraction
Jackson Clarion Ledger, MS - 22 hours ago
It usually keeps those workers, who help run attractions such as the gift shop, carousel and cafes, through Labor Day. The zoo also recently laid off a ...

England set out on road to becoming an irresistible attraction
guardian.co.uk, UK - Aug 19, 2008
All that is left now is for the England team to become an irresistible attraction. Capello himself would be disdainful of the idea that he is responsible ...
attraction - Google News

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