Your Skills Are More Valuable Than You Think

Friend...

Recently, a friend told me they were looking for a job. When I asked what they wanted to do, they said, “I’ll do anything.”

I immediately told them, That’s the worst thing you can say. It’s basically like saying, “Give me the bottom of the barrel.”

So I pushed back, "No, really—what do you WANT to do?"

That’s when they started opening up, telling me how they ran a digital store where they designed and sold clothing with their own artwork. They were a digital artist. An author. A creative who had published multiple online books.

And my response? That’s exactly the kind of work you should be looking for.

Too often, people downplay the very skills that make them unique. They assume that because something isn’t a “traditional” job, it’s not valuable in the workforce. But that’s not true. The work you do—whether it’s through a small business, a side hustle, or even volunteer projects—is filled with highly valuable, in-demand skills.

The Problem Isn’t a Lack of Talent—It’s a Lack of Skill Marketing

We keep hearing about a talent shortage. Reports show that employers across industries are struggling to find skilled candidates. ManpowerGroup’s 2024 report found that 74% of companies say they can’t find the talent they need. But do we really have a shortage of skilled people?

I don’t think so.

I believe the real issue is that too many people don’t know how to market their skills.

A lot of job seekers worry that if they highlight their small business or side hustle, employers will see it as a distraction from a “real” job. But the world has changed. Since 2020, we’ve seen countless people build businesses, take on freelance work, and use gig economy jobs to survive. And the skills they developed in the process? Those are the soft and hard skills companies are looking for.

Embracing Your Full Skill Set

It’s time to confidently present all facets of your experience.

🔹 Entrepreneurial Ventures: Running a digital store isn’t just a fun side project—it involves product development, marketing, customer service, financial management, and problem-solving. These are core business operations skills.

🔹 Creative Projects: Producing digital art, writing books, or managing a photography brand takes creativity, project management, and dedication. That’s exactly what companies look for in marketing, design, and leadership roles.

🔹 Community Engagement: Volunteering, such as organizing events for a nonprofit or developing a church’s marketing strategy, showcases leadership, strategic planning, and relationship-building—skills that translate into roles in project management, business development, and beyond.

Actionable Steps to Highlight Your Skills

So, how do you start marketing what you bring to the table?

✅ Revamp Your Resume: Stop leaving out your small business or volunteer work. Frame these experiences as professional achievements. List the results you’ve driven—how you increased sales, built a social media following, or organized successful events.

✅ Build a Portfolio: If you’re a creative or have tangible work, put together a portfolio. Whether it’s graphic design, writing, photography, or even business plans, having something to show makes your skills undeniable.

✅ Own Your Narrative: When networking or in job interviews, don’t downplay your experience. Instead of saying, “Oh, I just run a small business,” say, “I’ve built an online brand from the ground up, managing marketing, customer relations, and product development.” See the difference?

Your Skills Are an Asset—Start Treating Them Like One

If you’ve built something, managed something, created something—you’ve gained valuable experience. It’s time to start owning that.

No more resumes that conveniently leave out the fact that you grew a photography business through word-of-mouth referrals. Or that you spent five years developing a community program that fostered new partnerships.

Every skill you’ve gained—inside or outside of a traditional job—is an asset. The key is learning how to position it that way.

So the next time someone asks what you want to do, don’t say, “I’ll do anything.” Say exactly what you bring to the table.

Because trust me—what you bring is valuable.