Guest Post By: Rod Kirby
Image Source: Artquest.org

For 2010, my buzz word is value. I’m including it in everything that I do, deliver, and offer. Some entrepreneurs just don’t understand the concept of value – especially, “internet marketers.” The term sends irritating shivers down my spine. The most successful entrepreneurs know that you can’t just spam, harass, and bully people into buying a product or service . . . you have to offer a value proposition.

What is a value proposition?

Simply put, it’s how you’re going to deliver value to the end user, client, customer, follower, fan, or prospect.

“Literally, what it is the customer gets for what s/he pays. The term is also used to describe some unique value a brand, company, product or service offers that its competitors don’t.”

via www.neubertweb.com/definitions.html

What if you don’t have customers? Maybe you’re a blogger? Well, the same principle applies, how are you going to give your readers value through your blog? It’s a very important question to ask because it extends to anyone wanting to gain anything from anybody. In order to “get” you must first “give.”

Why is a Value Proposition Important?

Back in 2002 I started hosting video game tournaments with inter-linked Playstation 2s and Xboxes (played on big movie projectors – your brain oozes from your ears with awesomeness!). My partner and I decided to make a full-fledged business out of it and decided to seek tournament sponsorship from the big 3; Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. In our sponsorship proposals we outlined our value proposition which was different for each company. We wanted Sony to be our primary sponsor so we emphasized more brand exposure, marketing real estate at event venues, and registration list sharing.

As you can see, a value proposition is important to the end-user to describe how you’re going to deliver value in return for something else. We offered value to Microsoft and Nintendo as well in different ways but, certainly not as much as Sony. In the end, we didn’t get the sponsorship we sought, but it was a great lesson in marketing and handling corporate America. Without a value proposition our proposals would have never gotten taken seriously. How can you expect anyone to take your business, brand, or blog seriously without offering some kind of value to them? When you find your value proposition that’s when you’ll find success.

People That Offer Great Value Propositions

There are plenty of people we all know who deliver strong value propositions online and off like; Chris Brogan, Darren Rowse, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, etc. (Interesting bunch isn’t it? Wonder what would happen if they all went out to dinner one day? . . . anyway . . . ) However, I want to introduce you to someone you may not know who I think is the very definition of value proposition (right beside my name in the dictionary, of course!).

Meet David Garland, show host & creator of The Rise to the Top. What I love about David is the fact that he really “gets” social media and knows how to maximize it for the benefit of his show, sponsors, followers, and fans.

You can see him regularly reaching out to his Twitter followers asking questions, running polls, and returning the love right back with their answers on his show. Don’t you get it? His value proposition is making his fans and followers valuable. How awesome is that? I’ll actually be interviewing David live in St.Louis next week for my show, “Inside the Success.”

How can you determine your value proposition?

Now that I’ve wet your appetite, what ways can you determine your value proposition? Here are a few thoughts;

• First, know who you are and what you have to offer. How can you give a man gold if you don’t know what’s in your pocket?
• Second, know what your prospects, potentials customers, site visitors, or blog readers want. You can do this simply by issuing polls and surveys. For a Wordpress blogger try the WP-Polls plug-in, for entrepreneurs give Constant Contact a try.
• Third, think of creative ways to serve. Hold contests, live Q&A sessions via U-Stream, webinars, host tweet-ups, organize a Facebook Group (mine is for Christian Entrepreneurs), or, ask your followers how you can best help them solve their most pressing issues.

Whatever you do make sure you have the right mind-set of adding value to someone else’s life. You’ll only be successful in doing so. Trust me. Want some extra help on delivering excellent customer service? Read my article, “Customer Service is Dead and You Killed It.”

Follower Feedback – Question: How do you add value to the lives of your readers, followers, fans, & clients?

Not So Final Thought

A value proposition is your dedication to adding value to whatever it is you do. Whether you run a business, blog, or a combination of the two. Don’t make it just another “value statement” on to your about page. It’s got be something you decided to do and not tell anyone . . . just show them the value! It becomes your silent partner on the road to success. I didn’t write this blog post in hopes of ending your ever thirsting quest for knowledge of how to add value . . . but in starting it. Let’s chat in the comment section below. What are you doing now to add value to your blog, business, or brand? What’s working for you and what’s not? How can I help you figure this thing out? What other suggestions can we come up with to help others determine their value proposition?

Rod Kirby is the editor-in-chief of The Success Center, the #1 Christian Entrepreneur’s blog-a-zine for small business, financial, marketing, and social media help. For resources to help you take your life, brand, blog, or business to the next level, check out the Best of The Success Center. You can also follow Rod’s rampage of terror on Twitter and find him misbehaving on Facebook.

If you’d be interested in guest posting at jtrigsby.com, you can drop me a line via the contact form or via email at jtrigsby [at] jtrigsby [dot] com.

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