The other day I read an email from Sally Hogshead of Fascinate, Inc. regarding the link between flaws and influence. According to her, it is your flaws that set you apart. This got me thinking about all of the people I know who worry about their imperfections. Could that worry be wasted time?
Well, I submit that spending time concerned over your flaws is time lost. Let’s face it, we are all flawed. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes, fail to get things done, and let things slip. I believe it is all a part of life, especially in this fast paced world we are living in.
There are so many influences vying for our attention that the plate spinning can easily get out of control. Do you know why those plate spinners were on the Ed Sullivan show? Because it was a unique talent. If everyone could spin a lot of plates, there’d be no act.
If we could, for a moment, cut ourselves some slack we could focus not only on how to better manage our worlds but how we could harness our flaws to our advantage.
How can we use our imperfection to our advantage?
1. Own Your Uniqueness
We all need a differentiator. It’s a competitive world and there are many businesses doing what we do. So, why would someone buy from us? Take a look at your unique being and then ask yourself that question. What is it about you that is of value?
2. Market Your Value
Once you’ve embraced the power of your flaws, craft a marketing message that highlights them. Remember, you want to point out your differentiator. What better differentiator than your uniqueness?
3. Forgive Your Imperfections
When it comes to the things that aren’t getting done, you know where you fall down. Acknowledge what doesn’t get done or what gets lost and cut yourself some slack. Set up a system to prevent the loss. It’s like using a safety net. You look realistically at your business and then put steps in place to change the landscape. Beating yourself up isn’t going to get you anywhere, and can actually get in the way.
Dr. Phil says:
“You cannot change what you don’t acknowledge.”
In the same vein you cannot embrace what you don’t acknowledge. So, own your flaws, embrace and harness your flaws, and forgive yourself.
Flaws can actually benefit your business when you use them to your advantage.
Plate Spinning Photo via Shutterstock
I often read the back stories on many successful entrepreneurs and it’s their struggles and challenges (and their ability to cope and/or overcome these) that defines who they’ve become and give power, direction and meaning to their success.