Do you remember the big news of 2000. He’s back! This time Michael Jordan was returning to basketball for the third time as team president of the Washington Wizards. Under his leadership the team under-performed. Jordan, who of course was the greatest player of all time, decided to help out by getting back in the game. This move didn’t help. The team continued to struggle and by the end of the season, he was not only fired as team president but kicked off the team. His playing days were over and his reputation in as manager was in pieces. Definitely not a three-peat.
That same year, his former coach on the other hand went on to win his tenth championship with a brand new team. Unlike Jordan, Phil Jackson was able to repeat his success with the Bulls with an entirely new team. Why was Phil Jackson able to repeat his success and Michael Jordan not?
Phil Jackson had a system. Michael Jordan was a player with extraordinary skill that was so natural, he couldn’t explain it. He couldn’t teach it and he couldn’t repeat it.
What’s your system?
Does your work come so naturally easy to you that you can’t understand why other people can’t do what you do? Do you even ask yourself, why would anyone need to be told to do this? It’s so obvious.
Let me share a secret with you. It’s not obvious. You may need to develop your Signature System.
What is a Signature System and why do you need one?
Before we go any further, let me tell you what a signature system actually is. It’s simply a series of steps you take clients through in order to achieve a specific result. It’s that simple.
Have you ever heard of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Steven Covey? That’s a signature system. It’s what empires are built on when done well.
Positions you as an expert
One thing I’ve learned by working with so many corporate clients over the years, there’s a difference between having the skills to do the job and being able to demonstrate you have those skills. Most people even if they had the chance to see you at work wouldn’t be able to identify all the intricacy and expertise that goes into the work you do. Especially if you’re so good, you make it look easy.
Having a Signature System removes that problem. It skyrockets your credibility for one simple reason because it demonstrates to your clients that you’re not just flying by the seat of your pants. You know what you’re doing. They can feel secure that they’re in good hands. This is especially crucial when you’re working with high end clients who are paying for your expertise.
Makes you more marketable
When you craft your Signature System properly, you need to be very clear about the results you deliver. What problem do you solve and what are the tangible results of working with you? Once you become clear, you can talk to your clients about the results you can be expected to deliver. The value of creating your Signature System is that it makes the conversation easier.
You recognize your own value
I have worked with dozens of clients where we’ve taken the time to break down what they do for their own clients into a step-by-step process. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen the light bulb light up over their heads when I show them their system. I have a client who said to me before we started, “I don’t know how I do it, I just do it!” Typically by the time we’re done, they realize they do have a system but they have become so good at it, it’s natural for them, it has remained invisible even to them.
What I find most satisfying is how it opens their eyes to the enormous value they are delivering often without even realizing it. I’ve seen my clients’ confidence skyrocket as they start to believe in their ability to deliver results. It’s a funny thing, you can’t expect others to recognize the value of what you’re offering unless you do first. Creating your Signature System is one of the most effective ways of doing that.
Do you want to create your own Signature System?
If you’d like help creating your own Signature System and want to work with me one-on-one drop me an email at janali@naturallyiconic.com.
You know, it would be a dream just to spend a day hanging out with Michael Jordan the greatest basketball player of all time. But if I had my choice, I’d rather spend that day with Phil Jackson. I’d spend the entire day, figuring out his winning system!