Ways to show your value
Ever felt like the impact you make is hard to wrap in a neat, quantifiable package? It’s a bit like describing the taste of water. You're not alone.
Many of us in the IMMA community find ourselves navigating fields where the results we drive aren't easily measured by traditional metrics like sales figures or marketing conversions. If you're in the realm of facilitation, bringing people together, or any area where progress is more nuanced, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Talking about your impact
So, how do we convey the substantial value we bring to the table, especially when it doesn't fit neatly into a spreadsheet? Here are a few strategies that have helped me and might inspire you too:
Reflect on the broader impact of your work
Are you the catalyst for revenue growth, not just through direct sales but by creating the conditions for it to flourish? How about championing cost efficiency, advocating for not just leaner operations but also for more responsible resource management? Think about the quality of work or products you’re enhancing, possibly adding layers of resilience or reducing negative impacts. It’s not just about doing more or less, but doing it better. These are some additional dimensions that showcase your value.
Seek reflective feedback
One of my go-to approaches is conducting feedback sessions with clients. Beyond asking the usual questions, I like to add, 'What would have happened without our collaboration?' or 'What were the alternatives?'. This opens up a space for them to recognise and articulate the value you've added. It's a powerful way to learn more about the impact you've made.
Experience over explanation
How do explain your value to potential new clients or spark interest in your services when they have a hard time grasping the benefits you provide? Consider hosting a monthly signature workshop or session. This isn't just about showcasing your expertise; it's an opportunity for potential clients to experience your approach firsthand, feel your values in action, and start building trust. Plus, it's a fantastic way to grow your mailing list and keep in touch.
What works for you?
In our community we are often discussing ways to share and quantify the sometimes intangible value we bring. If you've got strategies, stories, or questions of your own, add them to the comments we’d love to continue this conversation.
________
Whenever you're ready, consider becoming a member. Join our ‘Explore IMMA’ session to discover how our community empowers impactful work and fosters profitable, resilient solo businesses.
The spotlight
I want to shine a light on a couple of amazing things some of our community members have been up to:
Emily Lin started a monthly learning circle series called “Regenerative Ripples” to learn in the open about regenerative practices. This series brings together curiosity and collaboration to share knowledge, experience, and support on how to bring about regeneration. Here is a link to the upcoming session.
Tess Wehmeyer, co-founder of ‘We Are Future Fluid,’ launched their first newsletter, “Leaping into the Fluid Future.” It sets the scene for the work they will do with brilliant outliers, “edge-walkers,” non-conformers, heretics, misfits, and queer leaders.
Interesting opportunities for you
We comb through numerous job boards to find freelance opportunities, saving our members hours of time. Here is a selection of 10 opportunities for this week.
Senior User Researcher - TransitionZero
📍 Remote/Hybrid, London, UK
💰 £70,221- £79,035
🤝 Contract
⏰ASAP
Graphic Designer - The/Studio
📍Remote
🤝 Contract
⏰ASAP
Assistant Director, Program Management, Break Through Tech (NYC)-Cornell University
📍 Remote, United states
💰 $70,665.00 - $95,494.00
🤝 Contract
⏰ASAP
Internet of Rights Fellowship - ARTICLE 19
📍 Remote
🤝 Part-time
⏰ March 15, 2024
AI Policy Fellowship - Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS)
📍 Remote, Washington DC
💰 $15,000
🤝 Contract
⏰ASAP
Request for proposals: Analysing Urban Influence on Global Food Sustainability - Laudes Foundation
📍 Remote
🤝 RFP/Tender
⏰ March 18, 2024
Practice Lab Research & Learnings Coordinator - re:arc
📍 Remote
🤝 Part-time
⏰ March 11, 2024
Practice Lab Operations Coordinator - re:arc
📍 Remote
🤝 Part-time
⏰ March 11, 2024
Legal Counsel - Land Life
📍 Remote
🤝 Contract
⏰ASAP
Senior Analyst Sustainable Finance and Deforestation - Global Canopy
📍 Remote, Brasil
🤝 Contract
⏰ March 13, 2024
✨✨✨ We've shared 700+ freelance gigs and need your input! In just 1 minute, share your experience and help us measure our impact. ✨✨✨
Behind the Scenes at IMMA:
We've just welcomed some amazing new members skilled in strategy, communications, funding, and more - can’t wait to learn more from them.
We have great events lined up this month, so sign up to expand your network and reach. Sign-up here
I'm thinking of shifting this newsletter to bi-weekly to dedicate more energy to our community. Maybe it's a nudge for you, too, to think about what you might dial back to make room for what truly matters right now.
Thank you for being here and reading, I appreciate you.
Lilli
_______
Whenever you crave more support, join a free Explore IMMA session to get to know our community a little better.