What's your Superpower?

As a participant in an online business community, we were all encouraged to express and share our "superpowers." Although this was a fair and reasonable request, I found it challenging. Why? Because it essentially requires you to be self-centered and boastful for a moment.

I paused, and during that pause, I reached out to 5 of my top clients and asked them the question: What is my superpower?

Just over 24 hours later, I received 5 responses. Some didn't stick to the brief but wrote a reference!

So, with a touch of humble bragging, here they are. Oh, and by the way, if you read to the end of this blog, you can see how I defined my own superpower. Hopefully, it wasn't too self-important or conceited.

Client 1. Mark's superpower is his ability to analyse and interpret complex financial information and explain it in layperson terms. He does this by identifying the core issues, syphons out the noise and expresses it in non-accounting terms. (Jeff)

Client 2. In my opinion your superpower is to look at a particular issue in a pragmatic, measured and considered fashion. This leads you to providing stunning advice. Listening and taking heed of your counsel over the years has led me to make decisions that have led to exceptional outcomes, something that I am always grateful for. (Anthony)

Client 3. The most impactful way you've helped our business is by taking the time and using your knowledge to tailor a system specifically for our growing and ever-changing needs. This system integrates budgets, cash flow, and profit & loss statements all in one place. No off-the-shelf solution would be anywhere near as successful as what you've created. Most importantly, you've happily educated me along the way, giving me the confidence to present any scenario to the bank or use the data to move the business forward in a far less stressful way. (Craig)

Client 4. Mark Liner our CFO has been instrumental in cleaning up our companies’ books and systems and monitoring the strategic and financial success of our organization over the past few years. Mark consistently demonstrates deep financial expertise, strategic thinking, and unwavering integrity. Mark has streamlined our financial systems, helped us with budgets and provided us with clear and accurate reporting packs for each business so we can clearly identify any issues that arise and track our performance in all areas.

I strongly commend Marks performance, professionalism, and expertise. (Kate)

Client 5. Mark Liner's super powers (I couldn’t chose just one - you can do that )

*Converting random business metrics into orderly, constructive information

*Patience

*Ability to simplify and educate (especially for the less numerically gifted)

*Willingness/openness to search out unknown information (Lesa)

And finally, here is what I wrote about my own superpower!

My Superpower is cultivating strong rapport with business owners, enabling a comprehensive understanding of their operations and facilitating a deeper insight of their business performance, thereby empowering more informed decision-making.

If you are interested in making some use of my superpowers, please reach out.

Up, up and away!