The question of how do I commercialize my talent has become very common in the society. This is because too many people have talents that they dont know how to explore. And of course, unutilized talent is a wasted talent. Every talent is meant to solve a problem. And people pay to get their problems solved. Your talent could be any area of human endeavor. And, its germane to aver that no skill or talent is a waste. How then do you commercialize your talent?
First, you need to identify your niche. This is because you cant commercialize something you cant even name. You cant possibly be good at everything and you need not thread every path. What are your interests, talents, passions? You need to carefully think about the ways you already bring these elements together and explore the possibilities for how you can engage them in innovation and problem solving. Focus on the uncommon things you have to offer. Those things you do effortlessly. Example, if you help out effortlessly in planning parties, then that is simply event planning.
Haven identified your niche; you need to become your brand. Research has proven that personal branding has a massive role to play when it comes to commercializing your skills. Youve identified your unique value proposition, you know its worth, but dont forget the packaging which is YOU. How you package the brand will determine how people will value you. Is your online presence up to date to reflect your skillset? Does your professional style represent an accurate presentation of your capabilities? Does the way you communicate, whether on the phone, in person or by email, accurately reflect your skills and qualifications? For example, do you follow email etiquette when you communicate? Does your dressing reflect the brand? All that you are need to reflect your brand and capabilities.
To project your niche, you need to share your knowledge by writing prolifically about what you know to get your name in front of people as an expert. Maximize every opportunity you have to contribute articles and blog posts. Dont just write; ensure it is informative, well written, timely, and valuable to readers. Remember, if it does not bring value, it does not worth it. And when if it does not worth it, people trash it. Always aim to add value.
Also, you need to build a community by creating a network of like-minded people in your field and work on connecting deeply and really getting to know one another. Fact is, genuine expertise is always drawn to other experts, and in their company you can open up a whole world of new possibilities. One referral can do the magic. Businesses thrive on referrals and so dont joke with building a community of like-minded people on and offline.
Offer voluntary service to others. That is one of the ways to promote your talent and become visible. And when you offer these services, ensure to be at your best. Focus on putting your brand in the face of people. Let your expertise speak in their faces. Become a trusted advisor and do what you can to help as many people as you can. These services will in no time bring you offers you never envisaged.
We are in a digital era so you need to be social savvy. Spend focused time on social media tools such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and electronic groups in your industry. Social media have reduced the world to a global village. Social media offer you the opportunity of meeting different people from different nationalities. Share some of your expertise for free, and build a base of fans that trust you and look to you for expert advice. In no distant time, these connections will pay off.
In doing all these, you must remember that who you are – is the message to the world. Every word you say, everything that you communicate and do, is a message to the world. Youre an ambassador of your brand and must meticulously protect the brand. You have to continually build a good image about the brand. Just as a good organization protects its brand, protect your reputation by being intentional about the words you speak and the actions you perform. Remember, no responsible individual, corporate organization or governments want to do business with brands with bad reputation.
Above all, the person who knows how best to market yourself is you. Unless you show the world what youre capable of doing, the world may not know. The projects you are involved with should reflect what you do. Ensure to stand out from the crowd.
