What is your unique value proposition? We all have one.
In 2018, our startup, Ribbit, was just getting off the ground. This was a crazy time as we were excited and overwhelmed, pretty much every day. Part of the startup process, which I find exhilarating, is participating in pitch competitions.
Following our first pitch competition, someone from the crowd approached me and said,
“That was a great pitch, but what is Ribbit?”
I stood there confused. What do you mean, what is Ribbit? I just spent 15-minutes talking about it. Was he not listening?
I came to realize that for 15 minutes I talked about our team’s history, who we are, what we want to do, and what it can be. I never discussed what exactly Ribbit is.
Fast forward two years and that someone became one of my closest mentors and a dear friend.
Enter your unique value proposition
What I was missing from that pitch was a unique value proposition, a positioning statement that clearly explains
- What the product is
- What you do best
- How you can help others
This simple statement is critical for companies to master as it distinctly represents what they offer their customers. Sometimes, it can make or break the sale, investment, or partnership.
But what about us? Can you and I have our own unique value proposition? The answer is yes. In fact, we all have one, we just don’t know it yet.
Think of yourself as a company, as a brand, because that’s exactly what you are
Whether you’re a recent college graduate or industry professional with 15 years of experience, you have something unique to offer.
That something is you.
Whenever you’re competing for a promotion, job interview, investment deal, or trying to close a customer, the first thing that people buy is the person doing the selling. What do they stand for? What is it that they can offer?
My unique value proposition is: I am a veteran, entrepreneur, and creator of a better future. Equipped with a go-getter mentality, I am ready to take on big challenges and think outside the box to solve problems.
Take a look at some other examples of simple, but powerful unique value propositions:
- Bethenny Frankel, the founder of Skinnygirl, is an American reality television personality, entrepreneur, and author.
- Marcus Lemonis, star of the hit TV show “The Profit”, risks his own money to help failing businesses.
Once you have your unique value proposition, put it to work
When you first introduce yourself to someone, what do you say? Too many times have I heard people ramble on and try to fit their entire life story into a 15-second intro.
How much nicer would it be if when you met someone you rattled off your positioning statement? I am [name] and boom boom boom, period.
I can guarantee your audience will be impressed — it shows you’re prepared and ready to take on the world.
If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything
A unique value proposition is also great practice to figure out what you stand for. Many times we let work define who we are and that can lead toward confusion and stress.
Rather than letting your resume do the talking, take control of your future and create our own unique value proposition, because if you don't, someone else will.
Interested in learning how to build your very own unique value proposition? Stay tuned for my next piece.
