Recently, I met a possible center of influence or significant referral resource at a networking event. We scheduled a meeting to get to know each other better. She specifically wanted to know what made me different from all the other small business or executive coaches within the Chicago market place.

I immediately knew what my response would be when we meet I double results through a quarter of a century proven process that builds sustainable change within the K.A.S.H. Box. Since many small business coaches focus on intangible outcomes, I have learned that by bringing the results out first is one of the three differences that makes me unique. The second difference is that I use a process that has a proven 25 year history. With coaching being a relatively new field, many coaches cant make that claim. Finally, my third difference is the use of building sustainable change through the concept of the K.A.S.H. Box.

For many small business owners or entrepreneurs being able to answer this question What Makes You Different or What Is Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)? quickly, succinctly and with assured confidence is a significant challenge. In working with my executive coaching clients (many of whom are small business owners seeking small business help) having them identify what makes them the stand out in a sea of gray suits is one of my first coaching actions.

The central reason most Since many small business owners or entrepreneurs cannot provide their USP is because they have never formulated a strategic plan who does what by when. The strategies created within the strategic plan are based upon a thorough assessment of the market place. Through this research, the executive analyzes what makes him or her different from the competition.

With this new found knowledge, crafting the 30-second infomercial or the 60-second elevator speech is much easier and far more accurate. With continued practice and reflection, these 2 marketing tools become even more honed and can cut a path through that sea of gray suits allowing your potential clients to easily see you in your red jacket.

If you are having difficulty answering this question, - What is Your USP? possibly you need to:

• Return to your strategic plan
• Check your data
• Update your market research
• Review your marketing plan
• Align your USP to your strategic plan

Leanne Hoagland-Smith

Good Day. Thanks for visiting. I hope that you have enjoyed my articles. In 1999, I founded ADVANCED SYSTEMS because I saw that performance could and should be doubled in warp time. Individuals, small and large businesses could not afford expensive solutions that may or may not deliver improved results in 12 months.

From my corporate, small business and education experiences, I recognized the individuals must have opportunities for connecting their passion to their purpose to secure the desired performance results, but many lacked the necessary skills, strategies and tools.

With over 20 years in sales management and 10 years in education, I understand how to unite productivity with profitability by developing a proactive working culture. My previous experiences resulted in cost savings through one of the first implementations of a computer software in a wholesaler distributor to the creation of a vendor performance assessment.

Since facilitating over 500 sessions, developing and editing over 25 training programs and writing numerous articles focusing on performance improvement, I bring a results focused approach to my clients. Also, I am proud to be one of the first five nationally certified facilitators of America?s Rising Stars (a Student Leadership developmental curriculum).

My passion is to help others connect their passion to their purpose to double performance. As The small business coach in Chicago, my clients have easily doubled their performance. Since our greatest resource is our young people, I am now working with large urban schools to generate the same results.

Education Background

• Graduated with honors from Purdue University with a B.A. in Education
• Earned M.S. from Purdue University in Instructional Design and Curriculum
• Published in the national trade journal, The Supply House Times, and numerous national newsletters
• Developed seminars and training on diversity, communication, leadership, sales, effective trade show behavior, networking, knowledge management, goal setting and improved educational outcomes
• Co-authored M.A.G.I.C.A.L. Potential: 7 Capicities for Living an Amazing Life Beyond Purpose to Achievement, to be available in 2006
• Working a another book focusing on performance in public education
• Speaker in a national bureau - Resource Associates Corporation