USP:Unique Selling Proposition or MUSP: MY Unique Selling Proposition

This evening, I found the time to jump on a free webinar hosted by a successful west coast event professional. She hosts webinars and seminars (some free and others not) quite frequently and I always have best intentions to participate but it was not until today (almost 3 years since I met her when she was speaking at The Special Event Conference in San Diego) that I got my tush in gear to login and hear what she had to say.

There were several things that stuck with me but the one that was most eye opening was USP: Unique Selling Proposition. While this is not a unique term (finding your niche, your specialty, the one thing that sets you apart from others in your field) what really got my heart beating faster was that I could finally figure out what my USP was!

I never realized it could be some skill set that I already had. (this just goes along with my linear way of thinking I suppose). I was always struggling to find that new spin, skill, idea, that I could offer that would set me apart from all of the other talented event professionals in the NYC area (and there are many).

During this webinar, she said, "if you are amazing at creating timelines, do it, if you make the tastiest cupcakes, sell it..."

I actually do make really thorough timelines and production schedules but would never have thought of this as a way to sell myself. One step further.. to market myself as someone who could just create your event/meeting timeline, perhaps that is something you need to kick start you for your event/meeting and then off you go confidently planning your event with your road map that I have just created for you...hmmm.

I thought a bit further about my staff training and preparation materials and how much I enjoy training staff for events (and the positive feedback I have received from the staff and client every time I am in the position to do this) and producing the most clear and thorough materials so that all staff are prepared. Wow, another skill set I have that I took for granted and never thought to use as a USP.

Ok, so for those of you who know me, this is likely a DUH, Jenn moment, but when you are so close to something, like yourself ;) you cannot always see things as closely as you would like.

Lastly for now, I am great at building relationships with vendors and non-profit committees (toot-toot). My goal when partnering with vendors is to really bring them in as a partner and have them feel as though they are a part of my team. With committees, well I am quite seasoned at managing their expectations, with over 10 years working with high net worth and high society boards and trustees, you either sink or swim.

So, how exciting, I did not have to look outside my current skill set to find my USP!
That does not mean I will not continue to seek something new and exciting in order to add another badge to my sash (girl scout reference). However, what a relief to see that it does not have to be something unique to make me unique (if you are following me).

Good way to end my day.

I'm still here, or perhaps I should say I am back

I know its been a while since my last post and for my huge contingent of, is it 5 followers?, I apologize. I just have not wanted to write or post anything unless it had some meaning or could be of interest.

A new chapter of my life was supposed to begin this year in Southern California. I flew cross country in the middle of March with all my belongings lagging behind on a truck. I was certainly nervous, but looking forward to a new beginning (and warm weather!). Little did I know that I would be driving cross country headed back east in early May.

What happened? Unexpected circumstances led to the difficult decision to come back East. Was it the right decision? I think so, but I have days when I question my choice. Will I go back West? Someday.

Since I have been back I have found myself reflecting quite a bit. I guess you can do that when you are unemployed and spending most of your days at the beach, a perfect place for that sort of thing. My new chapter feels like it is on hold until I am back in the working world contributing to society. Friends and family have repeatedly encouraged me to enjoy this time, and not push myself too hard to get back to work, but I have never been one to just sit around (unless there is sand or water nearby or a good movie to see or a book to read). But, having all of this time to think and connect with friends and colleagues has led to a new thought. I am beginning to realize that the first page of this new chapter can be whatever I choose it to be! Hmm...this is such an interesting thought and very freeing.


I can travel, move to any state I want, create a new business, start a entirely new career, take up a new hobby/sport, go back to school, reinvent myself. Of course a lot of these ideas take money, which when you don't have a job can present a problem, but alas, I have always been resourceful and one who can make things happen even under unlikely circumstances.

Will I do some or all of these things? You bet...I've already checked some of the smaller ones off my list. I shouldn't have needed it, but it took extreme circumstances for me to realize I am in charge of the book of my life, so what happens in the next chapter is entirely up to me...