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.