A single conversation can change your life

Isn’t it surprising that when we are presented with an opportunity to express our value, we don’t really know how to answer this question without making someone’s eyes glaze over. We either get tongue tied or start talking the technical jargon of our work rather than the uniqueness of our value.

I believe the key to answering this question is to know what it is that you want people to know about you. What makes you unique, interesting and memorable? What demonstrates your value in the best light?

Consider for a moment that a single conversation can change your life because in every conversation is a miracle waiting to happen. If you were to set an intention to cause a miracle, what would you say? As an attorney, what is it about you and your profession that makes it compelling, fun, and informative?

Recently, I was having coffee with a partner of a Chicago law firm, and I was fascinated by her and her role as an estate planner. Through our conversation I became very interested in how she came into her role, what she loved about her job and the way she helps people. You know what I thought after our conversation? “I know who I would recommend if someone needed an estate planner.”

Each of us has a way to share our career story in a unique and passionate way that will resonate with people we meet. The goal is to generate a conversation that will touch, move and inspire someone and allow you to spark a connection that will grow into one that is mutually beneficial.

Here are a few examples to get you started on answering the question: What do you do?

Depending upon where I am and who I’m networking with, I might use my creative side and express my passion for business ideation.

• “I create fun and play in people’s mind. As a business ideation coach and strategist, I work with teams to stimulate insightful solutions to tough business problems.”

Or perhaps I’m networking with executives and I want to strike up a conversation about my consulting practice. I could say:

• “I create corporate heroes. I run a project management and business transformation consultancy that helps organizations attain a more profitable future through the power of project management, strategy and execution.”

One of my favorite openers align with my overall mission in life:

• “I give people life with my voice. I’m a professional speaker and writer and currently I’m doing a lot on the subject of how to ignite transformation through the power of project management, strategy and execution.”

Now it’s your turn. Good luck! Remember, a single conversation can change your life. Be ready to have it.