Agreed, Bonnie. The value proposition is huge -- it's the "what you get" from "what I do." Value propositions are one's promise to customers. Without that promise, the One Sentence trails off into vagueness -- i.e. “I work with people to help them reach their goals.” Doesn't say much if anything about either who "people" are and or what "reach their goals" actually means.
I know. Me, too and I'm supposed to have all this stuff down. It's particularly hard in industries like yours and mine -- marketing + fundraising. Nebulous fuzzy concepts to a lot of people. Care to share your one sentence?
This is important. We need to be able to communicate what we do beyond our job description. My approach with clients is to help them identify their value proposition: how their work leads to positive biz outcomes. The value proposition isn't always one sentence but it's an understanding of what you bring to the table and how you can help others reach their objectives.
Great post, Lyn. This exercise, which I postponed for years, thinking that my messaging was just fine, became a turning point in my small business. I highly recommend your suggestions to all small--and large--businesspeople.
Agreed, Bonnie. The value proposition is huge -- it's the "what you get" from "what I do." Value propositions are one's promise to customers. Without that promise, the One Sentence trails off into vagueness -- i.e. “I work with people to help them reach their goals.” Doesn't say much if anything about either who "people" are and or what "reach their goals" actually means.
I know. Me, too and I'm supposed to have all this stuff down. It's particularly hard in industries like yours and mine -- marketing + fundraising. Nebulous fuzzy concepts to a lot of people. Care to share your one sentence?
This is important. We need to be able to communicate what we do beyond our job description. My approach with clients is to help them identify their value proposition: how their work leads to positive biz outcomes. The value proposition isn't always one sentence but it's an understanding of what you bring to the table and how you can help others reach their objectives.
Great post, Lyn. This exercise, which I postponed for years, thinking that my messaging was just fine, became a turning point in my small business. I highly recommend your suggestions to all small--and large--businesspeople.