Identify Your Talents, Gifts and Skills

How do you answer when someone asks "whatLet's use me as an example. When I answer the
do you do?" Do you say something boring likequestion "What do you do?" with "I mentor other
"I'm a massage therapist" or "I'm a yoga teacher"practitioners", it's pretty dull, right? You might
or "I'm a practitioner"? If you answer that way,scratch your head and wonder what that means.
you're not alone. Many many holistic health andI am nowhere close to perfect, and the truth is
wellness professionals respond in conversation thisthat this is sometimes the answer that comes
way. It's a very easy and convenient way to labelout when I am networking or talking to potential
yourself.clients. However, I do try to remember to turn
But, it really doesn't leave room for you to shineon the superstar and answer with something
as the superstar "stress buster", diva of "deepmore like "What I do is help practitioners find the
relaxation and peace of mind" or yogi of "flowingcourage, determination, and tools they need to
body and spirit", does it? It doesn't tell anyonelive the authentic lives they dream about."
what you really do with your clients.Ooh, that sounds a lot snappier doesn't it? It
Here's a secret that new practitioners don'tcatches your attention. If you have a secret
always realize at first. Clients come to see you todream in your heart of hearts about the life you
spend time with you. I'll say it again - clients comereally want to live and the difference you want to
to see you to spend time with you. They reallymake in the world and in the lives of others but
do. They don't come for what you were trainedyou're too scared, worried, or unsure about how
to do in the consultation room or on theto make it happen, your heart takes notice. You
treatment table.resonate with what I've said. You want to find
Oh sure, a potential client might decide tonightout more.
that she is going to try Reiki, so she GooglesIt's time for you to figure out how your talents,
"Reiki" and emails the first practitioner that popsskills and gifts translate into a sizzling answer to
up in the search engine. Which might be you. The"What do you do?" and to start telling your clients
truth is, though, this is not how you are going toand everyone you meet about it.
connect with most of your clients. And it'sYour Transformational Homework this week:
certainly not how you are going to keep yourCarve out some time alone with your hot
clients coming back.chocolate and journal and answer the following
I mean it. Clients will book with you again andquestions to get some clarity about what you
again because they like to spend time with you.really do:
They like how they feel when they are with you.- What are my special gifts in working with
They enjoy the subtle, magical, superstar healingclients?
or growth you facilitate for them when they are- What stands out about how I work with clients?
there. There are thousands, perhaps millions of- What are some adjectives that describe what it
holistic health and wellness professionals. But it'sfeels like in the consultation or treatment room?
you they want. They really do. They want you.- What emotional state are your clients in when
So what you have to do is figure out how tothey arrive? How has that changed by the time
make it easy for your clients and potential clientsthey leave?
to know who you really are and what it's like to- What compliments or feedback do your clients
spend time with you. When you are able togive you?
answer the question "What do you do?" with anAsk a trusted client, colleague or friend about
authentic, heart-centered answer about the realwhat they think your special kind of mojo is like?
you, the people you're talking with will know rightStart answering "What do you do?" differently.
away if they (or someone they know) resonatesTry out a variety of responses until you come
with your message and wants to spend moreacross the one that sizzles.
time with you.