What's Your Unique Selling Point (USP)

Over the years, I have often wondered why there are disparities in levels of success, wealth, and influence amongst many individuals (or corporations) in sometimes similar fields. Stop pondering, because the reasons are complex, but, the collective complexities can be traced down to the lack of USPs or the inability to harness them if known. Moreover, the same applies to people in various echelons of the society we live in today.

The term "unique selling point (a.k.a unique selling proposition - USP)" was first coined by the "so called" pioneer of television advertising, Rosser Reeves in the 1940s. In fact, the term USP was a marketing concept widely used in the business world, and is purposed to aid consumers to make informed decisions whether or not to purchase a particular product(s), based on a number of distinctive benefits highlighted in adverts by competing brands. Thus, a poorly advertised product would inadvertently have adverse repercussions on the company's hard-earned reputation, and ultimately undermine the likelihood of prospective customers to ever patronise them in the future. This highlights the imperativeness of knowing and harnessing one's USPs when presented with the opportunity.

Similarly, the same applies to individuals from various social and cultural persuasions, who rarely utilise this concept to their advantage at job interviews, business engagements, social interactions, relationships (dating), and other areas. Believe it or not, if you don't know your USPs and how best to use them effectively, then I'm afraid to say that you are at a disadvantage.

First impressions they say, last longer. So, ask yourself this question, what are those noticeable features, qualities, skills or attributes, which sets you apart from others? What makes you stand out from the crowd? Are you a leader or a follower? Surprisingly, your USP can be something as trivial as an overwhelmingly beautiful smile, your carriage, your mannerism, or even your fashion style.

What can we learn from nature? Do you know that "cooking" is one of many key skills that is unique only to humans? Why is it that no other creature has been able to master this vital capability? Without such skill, we would all be predominantly vegans, cannibals or both, as most animals in the wild are today. Therefore, cooking is an example of our collective USP.

How can you identify your USP? Have you attempted to discover your USP or do you already have one (or more) that you would like to further enhance? Interestingly, we are all unique in different ways. Unfortunately, while others are experts, some individuals are not natural in harnessing their God-given USPs to their advantage. If you find yourself in this category, you should seriously begin by engaging yourself more often. In other words, get to know those things about yourself that you are complemented on the most, and when you are confident enough, you should start mastering and displaying them more in various situations. This is what I call your "vantage point".

During the 2008 US presidential election, Barack Obama generated such huge buzz, after coming from an underdog to a clear favourite. Nevertheless, he was not elected because he was the smartest of all the candidates who stood for election that year, but, simply due to the fact that he was able to allow his UPSs to shine through, and as a result we were all immediately captivated by his unrivalled presentation skills, distinctive smile, swagger, humble upbringing, integrity, and likeable personality. He is now arguably the most recognisable and powerful figure at present.

In his book, "The Audacity of Hope", President Barack Obama, highlighted his struggles and how he was able to woo people over to himself, especially those who didn't necessarily subscribe to his policies, due to the obstacles posed by his colour. Yet, his UPSs were enough to surmount such stereotypical bottlenecks.

In the bible, there are numerous examples of people, who were naturally gifted by God, and others who had to discover their unique qualities. Joseph was a dreamer, Job, a man of great integrity and faith, King Solomon was a man of great wisdom and women-wooing abilities, and many distinguished individuals in the scriptures. However, Moses the prophet, was not confident in his speaking abilities, until God Almighty was able to instil that believe he didn't realise he had in him. In the end, he was able to accomplish that which God purposed for him. Today, you too can do the same.

What more can I say? Brethrens, we all have unique qualities which most do not use often. In the majority of times, we are too busy admiring others and cheering them on, instead of spending time to develop and master ours. If you want that dream job, a promotion, to develop a successful business, or any area of improvement in your life, then you have to foster the habit of harnessing your USPs more often. Because, by doing this, you will become limitless and unstoppable in all your endeavors.

Finally, I leave you with five tips to help develop your USPs. They are as follows;

• Self-discovery (important).
• Use compliments as indicators.
• Engage and develop your hidden/burning passion(s), and that which makes you tick.
• Identify those hidden qualities, which are not immediately apparent to you.
• Surrounding yourself with genuine individuals who can help spot your unique qualities and encourage their usage.

In my life, I have had to apply the above pointers, and the results are remarkable. My passion is what I focus on and in doing so, I feel a deep sense of happiness devoid of any regrets. Remember, to seek God Almighty in all you do. HE does not seek a perfect being, but a humble and willing heart, he elevates. (James 4:10) What's your USP?

Transforming Dreams into Success

There comes a stage in life when we are all forced to reassess our status and wonder if we really ought to be. In the current dispensation, many individuals are merely prolific dreamers, but poor achievers. Consequently, we feel unfulfilled and unsatisfied with our current achievements and where we find ourselves. 

Often times, it is not the case that we lack the capacity to transform the contents or the desired parts of our dreams into fruition, but, there are stumbling blocks (or preclusions) in the way that prevents this from happening. These could be the absence of meaningful passion, desire, unwillingness to take risk, dampened motivation, complacency, and the lack of proactive efforts to actively decipher and begin to implement those important moves that will enable you to achieve success.

An interesting quote by Dr Martin Luther jr. stated that,

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

This quote is particularly relevant in the sense that, many people today make excuses as to the reasons why they are unable to put their dreams into motion and to convert them into profitable ventures. I ask, why wallow in sufferings and persistent complaints about your boss treating you unfairly, your pay packet not improving (or only rising by minimal margins), and the monotonous nature of your current job? It is because, most people failing to work on their dreams, and make them mere "idle hopes". On the other hand, many people seems to believe that one could start a business and immediately begin to yield billions in 1 to 2 years. When, in reality, this is not often the situation. To compound this further, in a recent survey, it was shown that 1 in 3 business start-ups fail in their first 3 years, which is a staggering statistics to note.

What most people fail to realize is that, starting up a business, a new career or any other venture requires great commitment, determination, planning, a clarity of vision, and an understanding of the word "process". Of these, the latter is of uttermost importance when thinking of embarking on a journey to success. Always, adopt small steps (don't expect to hit the ground running), take your time, be prudent, anticipate disappointments (“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope”), be optimistic, and use your dreams as a motivation to succeed (since, you only know where you want to be). And remember, "No person has the right to rain on your dreams." So, be mindful of the intentions of the people who surrounds you, and claim to support you.

Finally, always bear in mind that from the beginning of creation we were all equipped with the in-built ability to create things, and this quality need to be harnessed more often. Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Blackberry, Samsung, and the likes, did not attain prominence in a day, it began with a dream and then the creation of various modules and the rest is history. Therefore, it is inconsequential how great or magnificent your dreams are, the most important factor is how you're able to convert them into success and enrich your life.

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Yearn for More

In life, many people often seek tangible changes in their status, may be due to the lack of fulfilment, happiness, satisfaction or otherwise. Some of these changes we vie for are, but, not limited to, financial independence, healthier relationship, a fulfilling career, wellbeing, new business opportunities, general independence, superior quality of living, enhanced spirituality, and prosperity/success. Undeniably, these and others are changes that are generally borne out of an individual's desire for "MORE". 

Wait! Be not afraid and don't be drowned by adverse thoughts or self-pity. In fact, there are certain life changes that are required to enable you to find that place you so much yearn for. But, this would require a lot of devotion and hard work, which should be devoid of any lacklusterness.  

As Jim Rohn stated in one of his business lectures, that, "you can have more than you've got, because, you can become more than you are."

You see, sometimes in life, "self-appraisal" is a necessary barometer to gauge one's state of fulfilment. Moreover, today, a lot of individuals often shy away from this simple principle, but, rather wallow in all sorts. 

Be mindful, because if you simply remain how you are, there's a high probability that you will always have what you've got. However, if you are motivated and willing to initiate some changes today, there's every chance that the next 5 years will be positively different from the last. This is a promise and guarantee. So, what have you got to lose?    

Furthermore, if you are of a particular religious persuasion (here, I focus on christianity), seek the help of God Almighty and you will find clarity and begin to carve your way to success and to that target which you yearn for. Now, "if you could have more, why settle for less." There is more to life than you think, so always yearn for more. 

 

Overcome Fear

This is a continuation of my motivational series on "FEAR". It is an established fact that, the latter is an obstacle to unlock and harness our innermost and absolute potentials. Nonetheless, in the majority of cases, most people seem to lack (or are unwilling to obtain) the vital skill sets required to master the art of overcoming fear. 

That is not to say that some fears are not rational. As a matter of fact, some key fears were deliberately ingrained within the  human fabric from birth, so as to make us more aware and conscious of the dangers around us. However, as we approach adulthood, some fears (or the so called "phobias") begin to surface due to misconceptions gained from external influences. As the great and knowledgeable Dr Martin Luther King Jr. once famously orated that,

"Normal fear protects us, abnormal fear motivates us to want to improve our individual and collective welfare, abnormal fear poisons and distorts our inner lives. Our problem is not to be rid of fear, but to harness and master it."

I am pretty sure that we can all extract some sense from the above statement by Dr King Jr. Therefore, it is simple, learn to harness and master your fear, and you will surely notice a positive change in your life. 

Now, here are 7 important nuggets to hold on to in your quest to overcoming and mastering your fears.

• Audacity: This is perhaps the most important prerequisites of all. Many people would agree that, to be able to achieve any feet in life, one has to possess an unflinching audacity. Without which, most will never be able to stand up to their deep-seated fears. 

• Self-determination: Like in many areas of life, be it education or otherwise, self-determination is crucial. Do you remember how you felt, when you first embarked on you driving journey? I am sure you were resolute in your determination to master it, and eventually, become a professional. This same analogy can be applied when trying to overcome fear. For determination fuels our desires, which in-turn greatly increases one's chances of attaining success. 

• Self-motivation: The motivation to achieve a particular goal in life is a paramount catalyst, needed to make that first move and crucially, to keep the ball rolling. For a car to successfully move from one point to another, the driver first need to start the ignition and then apply the correct gear, and most important, accelerate. The acceleration serves to motivate the car to attain mobility. Therefore, try to be motivated or do things that will bring about this.

• Courage: In order to overcome any insecurities (including, "fear") you may have, courage is necessary. Most people with known difficulties often aren't willing to confront them head-on, because, they simply cannot garner enough courage to do so. Martin Luther King Jr stated that, "We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear."

• Practise: As the saying goes, "practise makes perfect." This is so true, in the sense that in order to master your fears, you need to adopt the culture of constant practise or whenever the opportunity arises. The bottom line is that, no one can master anything without persistent practising.

• Self-believe: This is a powerful attribute to have, if you don't already. If you do not believe in yourself, no one else will. In order to climb a mountain, a climber has to first believe that he or she has the capability to surmount it. Moreover, this is also applicable to the area of fear, in that, the latter sow a negative belief within us, in order to deny us the opportunity to attempt some things in life. Therefore, begin to believe in your capacity to overcome your worst fears.

• Support: I cannot stress this enough, it is imperative to foster a sustainable support network or environment, whilst trying to overcome fear. We all need someone to encourage us and this could be friend, family member or others. Remember, a supportive environment provides a fertile ground for positivity and success to flourish.

Although, there are other recommendations published in many literatures for overcoming various fears, you should always remember that, the secret to achieving this is within in each and every one of us. But, it is our individual responsibility to harness our inner powers in this regard. So, what's holding you back?

FEAR: An illusion of the mind

Fear is undoubtedly the most common emotion we all share. President Franklin Roosevelt once famously stated that, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." The truth of the matter is that we all have an innate fear of some sort within us, but some individuals are better at disguising theirs than others.

Most people often confuse fear with phobia, when in actual fact they are very different in definition. Fear is considered as an anxious emotion which induces a belief that something or a situation is dangerous or represent a threat of pain or harm. On the other hand, a phobia is simply an irrational fear of something or an imaginative situation.   

There are many kinds of fear, which psychologists categorised into 5 sections upon which all our "supposed" fears are formed. These are;

ü  Ego-death: Fear of shame, humiliation, loss of integrity, and self-disapproval. "Fear of the disintegration of one's constructed sense of worth and ability. This covers, public speaking, social exclusion, and reclusiveness.  

ü  Extinction: Fear of ceasing to exist or annihilation. This covers the phobia of height, insects, and the like.

ü  Loss of Autonomy: Fear of the loss of independence, immobility, smothering, entrapment or loss of control of circumstances. This encompasses relationships and illness.

ü  Mutilation: Fear of the loss of precious body parts. This covers the fear of being attacked by animals, insects, and others.

ü  Separation: Fear of being separated from loved ones, rejection, abandonment, and isolation.  

 

Fear has many origins, but worth highlighting are the "environmental" and "human" factors involved, which are most prevalent today. You see, I was brought up by family members who due to their troubles in life went about inflicting fear into my mind as a child. Often times, I was made to believe that I was not worth much, and as a result was deprived of self-expression of my opinions in relation to various issues. If I dared to rebel, their final resort was persistent punishment in the way of floggings until I pass out. Eventually, this had a profound effect on my psychological make-up and ultimately, my confidence and socio-interactive skills. So we ought to be mindful of the kind of discipline you dish out to your children and never submit yourselves to undue humiliation. 

In many relationships today, women are defamed in the way of physical abuse and often too afraid to leave such abusive partners/husbands, all under the guise of family cohesion. In your place of work, you may be experiencing bullying and discrimination from colleagues. As a result, you begin to question your worth and capabilities. 

In addition, in our day-to-day engagements, we sometimes are too afraid to take risks, not knowing that without risk, success is but a distant memory. Do you want to start a new business? a new course? a new careers? Go for it and don't let "FEAR" deter you.

"Fear will cripple your dreams if you allow it, so I decided to face my fear head-on, and so can you today."   

And remember the saying that, "what the mind can mind can conceive the man can do it." Fear itself is like an imaginary brick wall, to overcome it, you have to break through it.

Stay focused and be persistent on your way to defeating your worst fears.

Dr Dickson Aleroh

Action brings forth Reaction (Success)

Newton's third law of motion can be rephrased as, "an action brings about an equal and opposite reaction." Today, this law is so evident and undoubtedly applies to the decisions individuals as independently-minded entities make on a daily basis. 

Are you making decisions and taking steps that will enrich/enhance your life in the long term? Believe it or not, the truth is that most life altering decisions we make begins with a series of forethoughts, which is borne out of the need for changes in individual's current situation. In actual fact, humans are never contented with their possessions and very often desires more. This is definitely a healthy appetite to have and mostly spurred us to attain greater heights in life. 

Thus, if you've always yearned for greater accomplishments in life, then begin by taking baby steps, and you will find out that gradually your strides will begin to yield success. In the world we live in today, it demands both audacity and courage if you are to excel at the highest level in whatever field you belong. 

Always remember that it is not enough to have big dreams, but to initiate the details of your dreams. In addition, use your dreams as a catapult to success and become a winner in all your endeavors. 

"Remember, the action you take today will determine the reaction or outcome you receive tomorrow."

Finding your identity

This is a topic that would readily resonate amongst many folks around the world today. It may not have occurred to you that every individual grew up (or should grow up) with an "identity". One which would ultimately shape the psychological architecture of any individual, from birth through to adulthood.

Some of these encompasses (although, not limited to) his or her;

• Mannerism.
• Confidence in tackling issues. 
• Integrity.
• Behavioral tendencies.
• Personality traits. 
• Life choices.
• Susceptibilities.
• Career options.
• Social interactional capabilities.
• Manner of associates and relationships.
• Level of ambition. 
• Adaptability.
• Emotiveness and affection.
• Successful indulgences an endeavors.
• Social and economic status.

As a child, growing up in a developing country in west Africa, where age-old traditions and cultural demands overshadows the preservation of certain pivotal and unalienable rights, our parents/guardians often hide behind the delusion of keeping to the tenets of such rigid and archaic system of nurturing their younger generation. 

Nonetheless, besides the impact of tradition and culture on an individual's upbringing, the environment in which this occurs is also paramount. This reverts to the issue of establishing an identity, because the environment in which you were nurtured would inadvertently play a decisive role in the advance stages of life. 

Now, what is an identity and how do you identify yours?

 

This is a question that often baffles me and I have had to ponder on it many times, since I lost my father during my childhood and has since lost a mental picture of who he was. Perhaps not all, some of the memories I still recall are of a man who exuded greatness, embraced unconditional love, fidelity, steadfastness, resilience and hard work without faltering. 

To me, my father was my identity, defined as a groups of characteristics which makes you an individual and sets you apart from others. In other words, your identity defines you and brings out some distinctive qualities which can only be attributed to you. An identity can be adopted from different areas of life, and makes you who you are. 

 

Many youths and adults of the present day are disenfranchised and directionless because they lack an "identity". Maybe you the reader or someone close to you may also lack the same and your actions reflects this. Don't frightt, find a good role model and start learning to develop your identity, because your ultimate identity is within you. 

"I found my identity in me, have you?"

Happy reading..... 

Dr Dickson Aleroh (Motivate Me)    

  

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Jesus - conqueror in humility - An Easter Special

Happy Easter and a blessed morning (or whatever time it is in your current timezone at present) to you all.

To all believers, it is undoubtedly true that our LORD JESUS CHRIST died for us and rose in the third day, as detailed in the scriptures (Matthew 17:22-24; 16:21, Mark 9:30; 8:31, and Luke 9:22; 18:31-32). This is a joyful incidence, because with his death, the sins of mankind also died, (Colossians 1:21-22) and by his resurrection, death was defeated for eternity. Moreover, generations to follow were redeemed from the clutches of sin and death. (1 Thessalonians 5:10, and John 3:16) Although, we will all die someday, it is only temporary, and as Christ resurrected, so shall we be brought back to life again to be with him in glory.

As a matter of fact, HIS death rescued us from the wrath to come - 1 Thessalonians 1:10. So today HE is very much alive and therein lies
our hope and joy.

My dear friends, amongst you may lie a believer, an agnostic or an atheist. Nonetheless, there is a lot to be learnt from this sad, yet glorious event. Most important, Christ demonstrated humility by subjecting himself to such defamatory and pernicious treatment at the hands of common men. But, in the end HE was victorious through HIS resurrection, and glory to GOD ALMIGHTY death was defeated forever.

Today, we are free from death, for those who are smart enough to comprehend the meaning thereof. Be happy and merry for Christ the undisputed REDEEMER lives and dwells amongst his followers.

"Humility will make us conquerors and victorious in all  areas of our lives." For God exalts a humble man with honor - James 4:10.

Remember, to always seek him despite your imperfections and he will always answer you if you are sincere.

God Bless.
Dr Dickson Aleroh (Motivate Me)

Winning ways

"Most people fail in life, because they aim too low". Les Brown.

Do you have a desire to achieve greater things in life, change something today and break that,  'I am comfortable where I am syndrome.' It might be a phobia, a person or otherwise. In fact, fear imprisons us and precludes us from achieving our heart desires.

Break free now and begin to move mountains in life. Remember, the path to greatness is narrow and difficult. It's better to stand out, than to hide amongst the crowd of like thoughts.

You can do just about anything you which to, because the power is within. Harness it, re-ignite that dormant drive within you and carve your way to a fulfilling life today.

Spirit of Resilience, Heart of a Fighter - A Lewis Hamilton Special

As the new season of the Formula 1 grand prix takes off in style, I was excited by the plethora of new talents, Max Chilton, Jules Bianchi (Marrusia-Cosworth), Gierdo Van Der Garde (Catherham-Renault), Valteri Bottas (Williams-Renault) and Esteban Gutiérrez (Sauber Ferrari) having a first hand experience of the shear pace of such a dynamic sport, which only the bravehearted can embrace. 

Firstly, I must say a big congratulations to Kimi Raikkonen for putting on such a scintillating display of driving ability. However, I could not help but notice the determination of a young former F1 world champion by the name LEWIS HAMILTON, who joined the struggling Mercedes F1 Team from McLaren at the end of the 2012 season.

In my opinion, Lewis Hamilton is an inspirational personality and a role model to many young black people around the globe. Once again, he caught my attention by driving with such uncompromising determination, despite not having the fastest car of the top five teams on the day. The truth of the matter is that his car may not be in par with the likes of Redbull, Ferrari, and Lotus, at least not for the current season, but his resilience is apparent. It may not have been the best decision in the eyes of the many of his fans to have downgraded from a high performing team of the McLaren calibre, however, amid the controversy he still excelled and yearns for more. 100 % is nothing to this young man, he puts in 110 % at all times.


The lesson to take home from his story, is that we should all adopt the 'HEART of a FIGHTER' and not yield to people's perception about us. Be 'RESILIENT' and stick to you guns. Sooner or latter, your reasons would become apparent and excellence comes by transformational endeavors and not stagnancy. Remember, just like President Barack Obama, Lewis Hamilton shoulders the hopes and image of the black race.

"DON'T TRY TO PROVE YOURSELF, DISTINGUISH YOURSELF FROM THE PILE".

My Journey - Progression to Success

If you ever wondered where life could take you, you are not alone. Life in itself is a journey full of many lessons to be learnt, assignments to be carried out, downfalls, discoveries, and plentiful success.

As an adolescent, growing up in the remotest part of what is know as a third world country in West Africa is not an easy experience. Notwithstanding the beauty of not having certain luxuries, such as, uninterrupted power supply, game consoles, sophisticated toys, and the likes, in my possession, I often relished communicating and mingling with like-minded mates from nearby neighborhoods.

At that stage of life, the only worry in mind was having a filling, but befitting meal in my bosom. Moreover, sleeping, playing in the sand dunes, swimming, attending village parties, and engaging in adventurous activities were the order of the day at the time. It was almost as if life was without worries. Little did I know that I was in for a shocker. If only one was schooled on the pitfalls that life may throw at you, so you could be better prepared to shoulder it all.

Isn't it funny how time always catches up with you. Days go by, and the night only seems like a minute lasting only a second. Momentarily, it might be Jesus coming in the horizon, if only we knew when that will be.

Of course, I was never born into such a sorry situation, as described above. My parents were well-to-do and at the early stages of my life as a child, I wouldn't consider myself as lacking the best things in life. Although, we were not the richest family on planet earth, my father always ensured that we did not have to go another day empty-belied. He worked hard and I could recall during the Christmas celebrations, we (I and my brother) were often presented with a chicken each..Happy days, I say. My mother was like my heaven, beautiful, resourceful, compassionate, loving, and possessed a one-in-a-million smile. Despite these happy memories, little did I know that things were about to take a fascinating turn, one which would greatly impact me and my brother for the rest of our lives.

If only war could have divided us as a family, that I think would have been somewhat comprehensible. But, my case appeared to be more horrendous. One day calamity came knocking at our door-step, a broken home, dad was no longer able to function health-wise and finally gave up the ghost, living with family members who were hell-bent on maltreating us, treatment that would have made slavery look like a walk in the park. Not that I am making light of the pains our forefathers suffered.

Only if my mind would permit me to write more of my experience. However, as the saying goes "there is always light at the end of the tunnel". Regardless of the demeaning nature of all I endured, my drive to attain the best in life was never questioned. As a matter of fact, it served as an impetus for me to strive for more in life. All my life up until the past decade, I felt caged, edgy, anxious, lost, enclosed, and less confident.

Nonetheless, I was not perturbed and my ambition was obvious. I turned to education as a way out and dedicated most of my time studying and learning. Knowledge is power and if you have it, you can overcome many things in life, associate with men of high repute, maintain meaningful conversations, build rapport, walk confidently, influence people and command respect among your peers.

In many areas of my life, I often go the extra mile to be the best and regardless of my hang-ups, I never let them limit me in any way. People who know me, would attest to the fact that I am not a quitter, and always fighting to the end, regardless of the difficulties that I am presented with. And you can do the same in your life today.

"A Quitter Never Wins, and A Winner never Quits".

Here I am today, a winner and a product of the University of life. Travelling, happiness, achievements, and cleanliness are some of the things that makes me feel sane. The former helps me to regain some of the freedom that I lost as a child, and confidence is at an all time high. God Almighty has always been the center-point of my life, irrespective of my imperfections. He is real, and I can testify of his magnificent works.

I hope my story has inspired you and will continue to do so. You can be anything you want to be, if you put your mind to it.