How To Provide Value

In order to succeed in life, we must figure out how to provide value.  This is true in all relationships: families, dating, employment and when we create value for customers.  Along the way, we must address the question; “What does it mean to add value?” In doing so, you might just add value to yourself.

We discussed this in a recent video here:

While driving from breakfast today, I told my soon to be -10 year old son that he was going to tag along with me today as I did some cold calls related to small business marketing.  I told him briefly about how cold calling sales is tough, however, in this particular case, it offered some unique advantages: Since I wasn’t someone from across the internet and I wasn’t spamming them, we could come in, give a firm handshake, offer insightful conversation and hopefully earn some business.

My son is a budding entrepreneur himself.  He quickly exclaims “Great! I’ll be able to earn some money too!!”

I stated, “In order to earn money, you must provide value to your customers.  How exactly are you going to add value?”

After a few moments of pause, he then asked “Daddy, how can I provide value to you?”

Happily I told him “Now you’re asking the right question!”  

What Does It Mean To Add Value

In order to be successful, we must figure out what the other party needs in order to add value.  Accordingly, we then need to figure out how badly they need it. Are there any other alternatives to fulfilling the need?  Is it time sensitive? What is the preferred method of delivery? From their eyes and perspective, what is the best possible solution?  What is the minimum viable solution that they are willing to accept.

How Much Value Will You Add?

Based on these questions and their answers, my son (and all who seek to provide value) can now determine how well they intend to satisfy these needs.  

Do you seek to add significant value, the minimum value or somewhere in between?   Alternatively, you can choose to not add value. Sometimes we do this inadvertently without trying.  This is almost always a by-product of improper communication. To put it differently, you have not asked the right questions or you haven’t asked any questions.  

Often, we make assumptions about the needs of others in relationships.  How we provide value to dates, spouses, employers, employees, clients and customers, etc…. It’s all very similar. The choice of how to provide value will have an impact on the relationship.  A significant impact.  

How To Create Value For Customers

You want to know how to create value for customers:  go back and ask the same questions above. If you’re asking “what does it mean to add value”, again, the answers to the above questions will tell you what the other party desires.  Simply give them all or some of what they need and want. You have just provided value.

How To Add Value To Yourself

Some of you are likely thinking “Well, wait a minute.  Earlier, you said something about adding value to yourself!”  I most certainly did. What do you think is the result of you adding minimal value to your employer, spouse, clients, etc?   Sure, you will receive minimal positive results, and likely some negative ones.

What happens when you learn how to provide value and deliver on creating value for customers?  Awesome, Great and Amazing things happen!! Ok, well, at least we know something positive will likely happen.  Often the benefits of providing superior value are that you enjoy the Lion’s share of the other party’s attention.  Again, this is irrespective of the type of relationship.  

The truth is that all of our relationships exist, thrive and decline based upon the level of value that we provide to each other.  We must be conscious of what we want for ourselves and for our customers (loosely defined here).

After a similar brief explanation with my son.  I asked him again: “How could you create value for me, your customer?” “ What could you do to provide value?”

A strange silence ensued.  Eventually he responded “Well, I really just want to go to Chick Fil-A and get some more of those delicious hash browns!”  “I guess I could help you sell the services instead of you selling it, because then I could get ALL of the money!!!”

Gotta love that kid.  If he can close the deal, that would definitely be providing value to me and adding value to himself.  That’s a good point to close with for now. 

Go out.  Ask questions.  Ask the RIGHT questions.  Listen. Determine the Value. Then act.  Provide the Value. Add Value. Then you Receive Value.

I’m Dale “The Value providing, Hash browns delivering Father” with Vision Advanced

Take care.