What You Have to Offer

Last month I attended an annual writers conference to learn more about the craft and pitch my nonfiction books. Writing conferences are more than just networking opportunities.

• We can learn more about the craft.
• We can learn more about the business of writing.
• We get to meet professionals within the business.

Personally, this year allowed me to meet with others within the brain injury and disability communities. It seemed like every day I met someone new who was connected to the disabled community; whether it was survivors, therapists, or family members, it seemed like there was an opportunity to share my story everywhere I turned.

One day I had planned on pitching my book to an agent during mealtime. Since she was so into my book’s message, I decided to drop the bomb about my brain injury. To my surprise, she shared she had a family member who suffered a brain injury while serving in the military. Needless to say, she was interested in working with me because she knows what I have to offer.

What You Have To Offer!

I have lived with a brain injury now for almost 25 years and have worked within the disability community to help others. At the conference, it became clearer that I have a lot to offer others through my experience.

One of the basic teachings of writing is always think reader first. The principle is simple: since we each have something we want to share with others: a message, purpose, something to offer others. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, there’s something deep inside you want to share with others.

Your experiences shape your unique message, focus, and even your voice. Everything I have gone through and experienced since my accident 24 years ago has uniquely shaped my personality and passions. In this sense, it is given me more to offer others.

The same dynamics work in the writing community. Each of our personal experiences, beliefs, and even struggles give us a unique perspective. We each have invaluable information that no one else can offer.

Whenever I work with other disabled persons, I get to share my experiences while also learning from their’s. This is why networking is an invaluable opportunity for writers. It gives us a chance to learn from established writers and gives us an opportunity to establish ourselves. Below are more benefits of networking.

1. Strengthen business connections.

2. Get fresh ideas.

3. Raise your profile

4. Advance your career

5. Get access to job opportunities

6. Gain more knowledge

7. Get career advice and support

8. Build confidence

9. Gain a different perspective

10. Develop long-lasting personal relationships

11. Get an answer to every question

12. Find a job you love¹

As we can see, the need for connecting with each other serves many purposes. Before leaving for the conference, I was contacted by an online brain health community about possibly teaching a class or sharing information on living with a brain injury.

I may not be a trained expert, but I have over 24 years of experience living with a brain injury. Undoubtedly, I have a lot to offer others within the brain injury community, I’m eager and happy to share with others.

A community is at its strongest when we each are willing to share our experiences. Earlier this year I began to update and expand my YouTube channel to cover my four branding streams (brain health, the writing community, men’s ministry, and faith.) My goal was simply to use this medium to share each aspect of what I have to offer. Each month I learned something new about my passions and myself.

Be Yourself!

The best way to know what you have to offer is to think about your experiences, passions, and struggles. Each area is a particular facet that makes you unique.

One of my favorite writing quotes is, “Be the best you instead of the second-best version of someone else!” Living with a disability has made me keenly aware that I am not perfect, but I am the perfect me.

I may not have the education, experiences, resources or platform as other writers, but I still have a lot to offer others. Unique perspective.

• Hope in trials.
• Encouragement for the struggle.
• A listening ear in the struggle.

I want to leave you with a reminder that our imperfections are what make us who we are. Take the time to think about your life, mistakes and all—it won’t take long to see what you have to offer.

Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at MartinThomasJonhson.com and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.

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¹  https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/career-progression/benefits-networking