Debbie LaChusa

I haven't always had my own business. Before I started my consulting practice, DLC Marketing, 8 years ago, or launched 10stepmarketing in 2004, I spent years working for advertising and marketing agencies. I also spent 3 years working for the American Council on Exercise. As a senior level executive in all of these jobs, one of my responsibilities was to interview and hire employees. When I used to interview job candidates I always asked them two questions:

1) What strengths would you bring to this position?
2) What is one of your weaknesses?

It was funny how most people could very easily share their strengths. But they were always hesitant to shine a light on their weaknesses. Probably because they thought if they did they might not get the job. Not the case at all. Because if I saw that they were willing to admit their weaknesses then I knew they were open to growing and learning AND I knew they were honest. All key characteristics in an employee.

I also believe knowing your weaknesses is critical to creating a successful business. So important that it's one of the first things we tackle in The 10stepmarketing System. It's so important to know what you don't know. So you can take steps to overcome it. Early on in my career, talking in front of groups was one of my biggest weaknesses. But now, after 20 years of practice, it has become one of my strengths. Now, I'm working on my networking skills, because to be honest, it's something I'm not very comfortable doing.

How about you? What weaknesses do you have that you could work on? Don't be afraid to share them with others. By acknowledging them and putting them out there, you start the process of overcoming them. Make a post to this blog today to share your weakness. I just know it will open the door for others to do the same. And then we can all grow!