Your Unique Selling Proposition

Purpose –  Activity: Define a Clear Promise in a value statement

A value statement pinpoints what you do and why. It is sometimes called a personal mission statement or unique selling proposition. I like to call it a value statement, because it is about the value you add based on what you value.

Your value statement is the power tool for purpose.

A value statement provides clarity on direction and purpose, and purpose is one of the Four Ps of Positive Shift that organizes the 12 practices that have been shown by positive psychology to increase happiness. When you create a value statement, you gain incredible focus. It targets how you will use your time on what is most important to you and keeps you on track. A value statement will also help you to choose goals that are aligned with your purpose.

Your value statement communicates your unique value.

In the business world, companies talk about a Unique Selling Proposition, or USP, sometimes known as a Unique Value Proposition. You are unique, and including the unique benefits you provide in your own statement makes it especially captivating.

Your value statement will help you in interviews and networking.

When networking or at a job interview, two questions often come up: “What do you do?” or “Tell me about yourself?” Be prepared with a clear, concise, creative, and compelling answer.

Your value statement should lead with the most important information.

In journalism, stories lead with the most important information, with more detail that follows. The goal is to hook interest so you continue reading. In a similar way, with a value statement you want to lead with:

• WHO-assess yourself (uncover hidden talents & brand and purpose toolkit)
• WHAT-identify benefits (marketing u)
• HOW-identify needs met (always be communicating value)
• WHY-identify values (map your values & develop character)

Your statement must be clear and concise, and also interesting. A concise, clear statement of the special benefit you provide should include:

Download a form to create a value statement at google drive.

The Value Statement Formula

I [what you do] to help [target audience] to [how you help] so they can [have these values/benefits]. I provide [product/service] with [how you do it] so it will look like [vision] because I believe in [this purpose/values].

The Daily PlanIt Value Statement

I teach skills for positive shift to help students to realize potential so they can have well-being. I provide courses and information with engaging and compelling design so students are prepared with life skills because I believe in the importance of education.

Examples: see examples of personal mission statements at thelifesynthesis.com

Convert your value statement into an elevator speech.

An elevator speech is a brief version of your value statement. Imagine that someone you would like to work with enters an elevator with you to ride to another floor in the building. Quick! You have 30 seconds to introduce yourself and communicate who you are, what you do, and how you could help each other. If they express interest and a desire for further conversation, be prepared to elaborate in more detail.

Start with the basics:Inspire Interest:

• Focus on the benefits you provide. People want to know what’s in it for them.
• Aim at the heart. You might use a colorful metaphor that describes the benefit, process, or result of what you do.
• Communicate your why. Simon Sinek, the author of “Start With Why,” says “People don’t buy what we do, they buy why we do it.” (his TED Talk) They are also most interested in our why, so know your purpose and share it.
• Tell your story. Describe how you first became interested in what you do or a time that you made an impact.

Be prepared to expand with:

• an image that captures and communicates the idea.
• a project you are working on
• features and benefits of the product or service you provide
• statistics regarding the problem you solve
• your vision for what the future will look like when you solve the problem

Crafting a value statement is not an easy task, and it is an ongoing process, but it is the best tool for finding focus.

Next Steps:

• Practice. Videotape yourself and watch it. Practice it some more!
• Put your business card in a nametag holder for a conversation starter.
• Memorize data/statistics that back it up.
• Review it often and change as needed.
• Learn more about Personal Branding and Marketing U.

Resources:

• Personal Branding Tools at List.ly
• More tools at the Brand and Purpose Toolkit
• Pinterest board and WIKI resources on Value Statement or USP
• Pinterest board and YouTube Videos on Elevator Speeches
• Pinterest board on Networking
• Pinterest board on Personal Brand Examples

From others:

• Mission Statement Builder from Stephen R Covey at Part Six of Discover U.
• Personal Mission Statement from humanskills.blog
• Why You Need an Elevator Pitch (and how to create one) from Michael Hyatt
• Idea Sandbox provides Elevator Speech Basics
• Copyblogger on Unique Selling Proposition.

This is one of the weekly activities for a Year of Personal Development.

About dailyplanit

I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.