In the 15 years that I've been coaching and working with passion-centered, purpose-driven entrepreneurs, there are a few patterns I've observed that over and over again with clients and peers who have successfully made their way doing and embodying their alive, meaningful, signature work in the world.
By cultivating these 6 elements as an entrepreneur, you become more empowered in what you are offering, and in owning its value. You reduce the focus on, and worries about, competition. Others may work in the same field, or market the same type of services and offerings, but no one has the same 6 elements to bring to and inform his or her work as you do.
Most people look at only knowledge and education base, or type of work, as the only measure of what they do. That is only one part of your one-of-a-kind Signature Work. By following and cultivating what is most alive and juicy for you, you create a strong inner foundation upon which to build - one that can carry you through the rough times, and though times of uncertainty and discovery.
By also focusing and drawing out the uniqueness of your gifts skills talents; cultivating your own stories, observances and discoveries; drawing upon your unique set of experiences in your work and life; and then weaving it together with your own unique creative style and expression (EVERYONE has that - not just artists!), there is no one else who can do what you do in the same way you do it. It becomes your unique signature work or approach.
It takes work, focus and effort to dig deep and cultivate and then integrate these elements into your work. It requires time and attention on self discovery. As Socrates said back in the day, "The unexamined life in not worth living." It takes self-examination - a deep dive into who you are, what you know, and what really moves you - to create your Signature Work. And it takes trial and error in the real world to strengthen it as you go - with inside-out inspiration and outside-in feedback.
It's an ongoing process. The good news is that you can discover quite quickly you are so much richer and have so much more to offer your signature work than bullet points on a resume. You have a creative reservioir and wellspring of gifts, ideas and stories you might not even realize you have...and no one can do exactly what you do in the ways you do it.
By working to cultivate and integrate these 6 elements, impassioned entrepreneurs begin to embody and exude a sense of ownership and "inner authority" that serves to attract potential clients more easily, and allows you to meet the challenges of an uncertain, constantly changing world with less trepidation and more resilience. Work becomes more fun, meaningful, engaging...and uniquely yours.
This is a wonderful blog post Michelle. I love the image you provide with your explanations. I love the process of self-examination and personal growth. This is what makes life worth living and also helps us be able to offer our gifts and talents to the world. Thank you for such a great post. I really enjoyed it.
Posted by: Suzanne McRae | November 15, 2012 at 10:17 PM
Thank you so much, Suzanne. Means a lot that you enjoyed it.
Posted by: Michelle | November 16, 2012 at 05:09 AM