Discover Your Magic
Houdini Did!

What do you really know about Harry Houdini? I know that I've always thought of him as a great magician. Now, I'm wondering...

A recent article indicated that many in the field considered Harry Houdini an average magician, but a great marketer of magic.

A great marketer of magic. Hmmmmm...

I’ve been thinking about that. Harry Houdini must have had such a great grasp on his best talents and skills that he could pour his time and energy into leveraging his talents. Houdini married the mighty (and magical!) three- his exuberant confidence, his skills, and a market hungry for watching his personal magic unfold. It’s no wonder that audiences were delighted. And it’s no wonder that Houdini was lauded for magical greatness!

Would you be willing to make a similar decision? Like Houdini, would you be willing to make a choice about understanding, culling, and then marketing your best skills?

Whether you dig into reflective thinking, benefit from the help of a coach, or pay attention to the specific accolades from your successes (or a best blend of all three!), you can design a specific package to market the unique magic that you contribute to the marketplace.

A key element to what you market is the depth and uniqueness of your Personal Value Package. Consider these additional questions to add to the richness of your thinking.

1. Take a moment to grab paper and pen so that you capture your most immediate responses:

2. For what skills and talents are you most grateful?

3. How and to what extent are you using each one?

4. What would you do differently if you had more courage?

5. What successes are you most proud of?

6. What kinds of things do you love to do so much that you would give them in service to others?

7. What secret desires do you have for additional successes? Describe how much you want them and why you have the skill and desire to achieve them. Make a statement about their value to you. Are they worth the cost and sacrifice?

Take the time to describe the marriage of the magical three- your desired
goal(s), your talents/gifts/skills for achievement, and the market segment that you will delight.

Jerry Garcia said, "It's not enough to be the best at what you do. You must be perceived as the only one who does what you do." Though Garcia’s quote was directed at work success, his words also have meaning for life success. Whatever your choices, whatever your path, discover your passion, your skills offer that passion, and the audience that will be delighted by what you offer.

By Susan B. Wilson, President, Executive Strategies