The Top Ten Ways to Promote Your Strengths

Perhaps you know what your strengths are. Perhaps you've identified your short- and long-term goals, but you are not making progress toward those goals. Here are some suggestions:

1. Identify the desired result.

Before attending any meeting or event, decide what you would like to leave with -- a new contact, a new potential friend, a new job lead or whatever is important to you. Decide how you can best go about achieving that goal, and resolve to do whatever it takes. Resolve not to leave the event before at least one of your goals has been achieved.

2. Follow up immediately.

The next day (or the next business day, whichever is appropriate), contact that person again (by phone or email, as they prefer) and thank them for the time you spent together, and how much you enjoyed meeting them. Suggest another meeting, breakfast, lunch, or coffee, and develop the relationship further.

3. Identify your resources.

Who do you know who can help you achieve your goals? Family, friends, co-workers, fellow organization members, classmates are all possible resources you can call on. Depending on what your goals are, you can ask for their help in building your business, improving your social circle, or expanding your career.

4. Build your network.

Ask your resources to recommend others they know who might help you achieve your goals. Contact each of them; give the name of the person who recommended them, and explain -- clearly and concisely -- what you want. Ask them if they are willing to help you, or if they know someone else they could recommend for you to talk to.

5. Maintain consistency in your relationships.

It is your responsibility to maintain contact with the important people in your life. Maintain a regular contact schedule -- call them, send an email, drop a card in the mail, remember their birthday or work anniversary. Let them know on a consistent basis that their presence in your life is important to you.

6. Help others achieve their goals.

Givers gain! Act as a mentor at work. Use your talents to help train those who need them. Form a child care circle with your neighbors or co-workers. When you help others, they're willing to help you.

7. Give your strengths away.

Find a local charity or nonprofit organization that can use your strengths. Volunteer your time and your talents to your community. You will help your community be strong, and your impact on those around you will improve the strength of your resources.

8. Reevaluate your short- and long-term goals on a consistent basis.

Your life will change. Your circumstances will change. Make sure that you re-evaluate, on a regular basis, what you want to achieve and how you can best achieve your goals. Change your strategies as needed to achieve these new or refocused goals.

9. Keep yourself -- and your strengths -- healthy.

Take care of yourself. Your energy levels will be much higher if you are getting enough sleep, eating well, drinking enough water, and taking the time to do things you enjoy -- time with your family and friends, a good book, a walk in the woods. Also, take time to read or review new information concerning your strengths -- industry publications, new books, web sites devoted to your interests. Keep your strengths strong.

10. Reward yourself.

When you do achieve a goal, reward yourself. It doesn't have to be expensive -- rent a movie only you want to see. Go to the library and borrow a trashy novel or a book about your favorite hobby. Take a bubble bath, with candles and a glass of wine. Ask a good friend over for lunch. But give yourself a treat when you accomplish something that moves you closer to achieving your dreams. You deserve it!

This piece was originally submitted by Helen Riggs, Coach for Sales Professionals & Personal Growth, who can be reached at riggscoaching@riggscoaching.com or visited on the web. Helen Riggs wants you to know: I am a recovering corporate sales executive who coaches sales professionals, individually and in small groups, who want to achieve more.