Welcome to Saturday morning and day 12 of the blog challenge.  Today Natalie’s got us looking internally to identify our USP or Unique Special Proposition as she calls it.  First thing that comes to mind is that here definition is a bit different than the “normal” USP.  Normally the “S” stands for Selling versus Special.  It’s an important distinction in that Natalie’s reinforcing the key to success is to be yourself versus looking to sell someone or something else.  Subtle but very important!  Today’s “official” prompt”

• What is your USP Unique Special Proposition that sets you apart from the crowd?

Natalie even went so far as to provide a series of questions to help you uncover your USP.  Never one to pass up help, I thought it would be useful to follow the rubric:

• What are you better at than anyone else?  Everyone has always told me that my mind works totally differently / I think faster and make connections that they don’t see.

• What do you enjoy doing the most?  Can’t pin it down to just one thing!  Some of the big one’s are playing games (fishing, golf, bridge, biking, etc.), reading and learning, and helping other people learn, grow and live better.

• What do (or could) you provide that no one else is providing?  Help with getting on the path to learning, growing, and living.  I’ve had a great set of life/career experiences + recently had to answer (or start to answer!) the “what do you want to be when you grow up question”.

• What annoys people the most about your industry or blog area?  That there’s nothing there and what is there is “academic”.  When I reflect on how/where/who helped me to figure out “things” (health, career, family, passion, etc.) it becomes apparent rather quickly that there have been limited “single point” resources.  I’ve been able to read a lot from books and pick up a bit from professional coaches/trainers.  However, a lot of what I’ve read is academic versus practical.  I have been helped by multiple individuals over time that challenged me to think about things — Udatta, Paul, and Ed probably had the biggest impact.  Although many others stand out; and, it just occurred to me, those that I have helped have also been invaluable in helping ME grow.  As I worked with them to help them, they taught me a ton!

• What is remarkable about you?  That I can move between so many areas so easily.  I’ve got a PhD in engineering; have played for championship softball teams; lived internationally; played golf to single digit HCP; fished competitively; worked in research, project management, marketing, commercial management, operations, purchasing, logistics; developed a successful Subway franchise; changed careers to financial planning; raised a family; coached kids teams; achieved financial independence and done a ton of other things!  In each of these areas I’ve always (i) acclimatized quickly, (ii) enjoyed the experience, (iii) met great people, and (iv) had success quickly.

• Do you have an unusual combination of elements?  <<see the answer above>>

• Do you have a big personality?  Yes and no.  I’m not the guy that will go on stage at Vegas.  However, I do have a strong “presence” and folks often accuse me of being “intimidating” as I think very quickly and take things to a new level in a hurry.  Folks have repeatedly remarked that I’m both interesting and fascinating.  I also get feedback that I’m a nice/good person.  Finally, I’ve got a big mouth / can’t keep it closed. I tend to speak my mind and can not tolerate things that are either irrational or unfair.

Now I’m not sure whether to be mad or glad with Natalie at this point in time.  I just uncovered a HUGE number of things that will help me with my USP; however, the actual USP is not jumping off the page at me!  As I know how I think, I’ll likely take a few minutes and do something else, come back and read my thoughts, and the USP will emerge — consider self-awareness as a real strength / I “know” how my mind thinks / “know” when I’ll be able to solve the problem / can put things aside and come back at the “right” time.

Right on cue, five minutes aside and the idea’s crystalized:

• I have a collection of life experiences that are truly unique.  They involve both work and non-work related areas; and, in all areas, I’ve been able to find a way to succeed while always embracing a “win-win” mentality and helping others grow in the process.  While there are many that can offer support and guidance, few of these have been through the process personally and achieved the level of success that I have.  Further, few have the true passion to help others learn, grow, and live.

Not a bad first draft if I do say so myself!

If you want some more information on the challenge, check out the post on day twelve at:

http://suitcaseentrepreneur.com/blogchallenge/blog-challenge-day12