The Most Important Question to Ask When You Don’t Fit the Mold
Photo by Bernadette Marciniak
Ever say to yourself, “I’m not qualified enough?” If so, read on.
I was terrified I wouldn’t get a job.
It was Spring of my senior year; when America was hit hard by a recession. ABC News visited Harvard, where students graduating from business school had wallpapered their bedrooms with rejection letters.
Well if THEY can’t get jobs, I thought. I’m totally screwed.
I was a Humanities major with dual degrees in English and African American studies from a state school. Throw in the fact that I’m Asian American and female and well, maybe I’d have better luck if I dressed up like a unicorn for job interviews.
If, a company would even give me an interview.
I panicked for a week, playing over and over this movie scene in my mind where I’m sitting across from a manager at a desk, who’s laughing as he reads my resume. Then blurts out, “YOU? Why YOU?”
I knew I wasn’t who they were looking for.
But maybe that was the point.
To get a job, I had to show them how my unique and unexpected background would add value in ways no one else could.
I flipped the question from “why me” to “why NOT me.”
One month before graduation, I accepted a role in GE’s Financial Management program (known as the “Harvard” of management programs).
My friends were shocked (I’m sure they were thinking, “why YOU?”)
My career has been built on “why NOT me” moments, which has led to:
Getting hired as a speechwriter for a nonprofit’s annual fundraiser helping them 4X their donations (as a first-time speechwriter)
Developing a course for Planned Parenthood that has trained thousands of communication directors on how to find and pitch stories to the media (without a formal background in PR)
Getting featured as a blogger in Reuters, Washington Post Express, Apartment Therapy and Design*Sponge and nominated as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Design Bloggers by Design Files – without hiring a PR firm.
Imagine how a “why NOT me” story can embody your unique value to scale your impact, captivate, and grow your audience in 2021.
I created the Own Your Message program with “why not you” in mind.
Inside this 90-day coaching experience, you’ll find my entire career’s worth of wisdom, tools, and guidance on how to build a super-profitable, fulfilling, and impact-driven career by mastering and activating your unique brand story.
It includes:
My signature framework to mine and craft your unique brand story in 90 days
Tools and playsheets to validate your audience sweet spot, develop your brand messaging and marketing plan to grow your impact.
Weekly live Q&A coaching calls with me in a group setting where I help you get unstuck and provide feedback
In the past, the only way to get this level of support would have been to become one of my private clients - a five-figure investment.
This program has helped students land keynote speaking gigs with global brands, charge a premium for their unique value, and be able to speak with confidence to anyone about what they offer.
Or let's chat and we’ll determine together if this is the best direction for you (even if it’s not this). Book a free Clarity Call now.
