Jack of All Trades!
People can get so tired of this term. Hearing this from employers can sometimes indicate, “We want you to do it all but within our limited budget.” However, there’s a different point of view on what this means to me and why it’s a good thing.
After getting my foot in the door as a receptionist at Aaron’s, I was promoted to a newly open role, Special Projects Manager. The responsibilities started out as an editor for two quarterly magazines and an approver of yellow page ads for all their retail locations. It was the foundation of a communications job without the appropriate title. Over the course of nine years, new opportunities were introduced and assigned but my title remained the same. Throughout my tenure, I became a photographer, event planner, brand advocate, television producer, and communications strategist. Some colleagues would say I was a “jack of all trades.”
While this concept can be frustrating to some, I look back at the experience and see only the diversity of my role and how it contributed to my strengths today. By embracing new assignments, wearing multiple hats, traveling, and collaborating with departments across the organization, I was able to connect with a diverse group of employees in the company. I listened to their struggles, celebrated their achievements, and supported their goals for the future. This is also where I discovered the joy in creating true connections.
In more recent times, I have stumbled upon many articles that instruct those in the workforce to find their niche. Specifically, experts tell entrepreneurs to focus on a select industry or a particular business sector. This can benefit many people, but in today’s world of inclusion, could we be limited by not expanding our range of industry?
When it comes to communications, I believe a wider scope welcomes a new way of thinking as you find yourself approaching industries with an open mind. My own journey has allowed me to reflect on different audiences and their perspectives. As a communications expert, the “jack of all trades” experience has given me the ability to transcend industries and target markets that pave the way for success.
Since the day I founded Leverage Communications, my collaborations have only grown. Clients see that I give them new takes on marketing their products or services, and they appreciate my balance of fresh creativity with almost two decades of experience. I’ve never been good at determining what the future holds, but I know that I only become smarter and more thoughtful with every new partnership.
In your own careers, give these “jack of all trades” tasks and opportunities a chance. It can seem that the direction isn’t aligned with your current role but introducing something new to your to-do list could benefit you and your perspective in the future.
