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Are You a Shortcut or a Roadblock

My friend, Scott Halford, wrote a book called Be a Shortcut which turned a spotlight on something I don't pay much attention to, my abilities and expertise. He helped me realize that I'm a shortcut for other people's success. And so are you. 

Everyone is an expert at something valuable, but here's the rub: we're so good at it that we hardly even notice it. Scott writes: "Shortcuts take the time to be experts so that we don't have to. As a result, we're willing to pay for their artistry, their mastery and know-how. People will judge your abilities based primarily on what you can do for them, but a close second is how you make them feel." 

In this economy, companies value employees who can get stuff done as fast as possible with zero errors and a sparkling attitude. As one book title put it:It's not the big that eat the small, it's the fast that eat the slow. 

Are you a shortcut or a roadblock? 

Be a Shortcut 

Shortcuts have three advantages that people will willingly pay for: time, talent and desire. How are you a shortcut? Ask yourself:

• What do I love to do?
• What am I good at that I love to do?
• What am I good at that I love to do that I can do in less time than anyone?
• What expertise do people turn to me for?

In my marriage, I can plan vacations and future events easier and faster than my spouse. In our relationship, I'm a shortcut for vacations. My wife enjoys cleaning and can tidy things up long before I would ever get the desire. 

In my business, I can help companies identify vital improvement projects by mining their data in days instead of the months most teams require. I coach people with sound bite wisdom and stories. 

What is your expertise? How are you already a shortcut? 

Advertise Your Expertise 

Scott says 70% of people suffer from "impostor syndrome;" they don't believe they are good enough. I'm telling you, you already are good enough. A Tai Chi master once told me that "a master is someone who started before you did." If you're a shortcut, you started long before almost everyone you know. Be a shortcut. 

Once you believe you're good enough, let people know what you can do for them, because few people have enough time, talent or desire to do what you do effortlessly. Advertise your expertise. 

Here's my point: Now is the time to bring your expertise to bear on the economic recovery. Shortcuts accelerate recovery; roadblocks halt progress. 

Are you a shortcut or a roadblock?

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