In a recent conversation with Ruthi Byrne, one of New Jersey’s most iconic thought leaders, she generously shared some of the critical lessons she learned that significantly contributed to her decades as a successful business woman.
From the first founding of Zinn Graves & Field over 35 years ago, and now serving as its sole owner and President, to her lengthy list of board seats, speaking engagements, and honors too numerous to mention that have been bestowed upon her throughout her career, Ruthi has carved out a unique space in the state’s business, political, health care, nonprofit and academic communities.
Along the way, this powerhouse gained some critical insights that led her to her position as a well-recognized influencer across every sector in New Jersey.
Ruthi opened the dialogue by saying just four profound words: “No one knows everything.” And with that simple phrase, she captured the essence of her incredible life experiences.
While it may be hard for you – as it is for most of us to admit we don’t have all the answers at our fingertips – Ruthi actually thrives on those types of scenarios.
How do you know what you don’t know?
In order to best serve your clients in any situation, Ruthi highly recommends conducting a personal situational analysis, much like you would for your company or organization. By doing so, you can begin to identify your own Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT). Identifying what you do well – leveraging your competencies to create new opportunities can help you consistently promote your areas of strength, leading to your success.
Identifying your expertise makes a difference in your own success
As Ruthi reminds us, when you have a clear understanding of your competencies, skills and knowledge, you can be more helpful to clients, colleagues and the community you serve. For example, because you know your strengths:
- You can be completely authentic about your areas of expertise
- You can play to your strengths
- You can ‘gather the troops,’ surrounding yourself with experts in areas where you are less knowledgeable
- You don’t have to be afraid to say, “I don’t know”
- You can say, “I don’t know – but I will find out”
- You can ask others for help when you don’t have every answer
- You can demonstrate credibility by offering to ask the right questions
- You can create the opportunity to show you’re resourceful by following up after researching the solution
- You can highlight your reliability and sincerity
- You can reinforce your reputation for having integrity while getting results for your clients
This Top Ten list of Ruthi’s suggestions is based on the concept that leaders across every niche want to offer their current and future clients and customers and all their colleagues the right solution for their issues, and in doing so, build a sustainable business model that brings satisfaction and success.
To sum it up, Ruthi emphasized, “Be honest. Ask questions. Be really good at something. Know your competencies. Help your clients shine.”
