What Are Your Skills Worth?

I read once that the components in the human body are worth about $30.

I'd like to think our whole is worth more than the sum of our parts. Particularly on the job.

But how much are you really worth as an employee? Your reply will answer this equation: how you can make money for an employer PLUS how you can save an employer money MINUS the skills you lack. This is what you bring to the table.

If that sounds complicated...it's not, really. But if it sounds like the beginning of a sales pitch...well, it is. And the product is you.

If you're looking for a job, you are in sales. And as any successful salesperson will tell you, you need to know your product inside and out. Employers, being your potential clients, will only buy if you are confident in your product.

COMPLETING THE EQUATION:
TAKE STOCK OF YOURSELF
List all of your skills. Take your time. You have a lot of them. It may take more than one sitting. That's alright.

Good. Now list the skills you're missing.

This is a bit harder for most of us because it takes a bit of brutal self-honesty. Focus on the skills you need to compete for positions equal to or higher than the one you left. This, too, will take more than one sitting to complete.

Don't despair if you're lacking a lot of skills. You bring quantifiable value to the table - and you increase your value by increasing skills.

INCREASING THE VALUE OF YOUR VARIABLES
If You Lack Specific Computer Skills:
Dummies Manuals andIdiot's Guides are easy to understand and chock full of useful information. Buy one corresponding to the computer program you're interested in and read it while you are at a computer.

Take a Class. Sure, colleges offer computer classes. But so do many school districts through their continuing education department - and for much less than colleges.

Pay a Teenager to Teach You. Most kids are on the cutting edge of technology. They have to be in order to do their school work and program their parents' TiVo. They will often teach you for food or a couple bucks.

If You Fear Public Speaking:
Toastmasters International is dedicated toward helping people gain public speaking and leadership skills, and most meet weekly or bi-weekly. Evaluations are given in a supportive atmosphere, which help members grow their skills. Toastmasters Clubs are everywhere, and at times and days that are convenient for most. Look for one near you at www.toastmasters.org.

Story Swaps and Poetry Jams are usually held at bookstores and coffee shops and provide ample opportunity for you to speak in public. And have a coffee or two...or twelve.

IN A NUTSHELL: Take stock of your strengths and weaknesses. Increase your value by looking for ways to turn those weaknesses into strengths.