Can you explain your own personal unique selling proposition?
Fully defining your USP requires a level of self-awareness that many don’t explore. This thought exercise is usually easier to apply to your professional pursuits— and once you master that, you’re going to have one helluva time examining every break-up since middle school. (I kid, I kid.)
Think about every job you’ve ever held, every friendship, every amorous fling. Both parties enter these relationships with the intent to conduct an exchange, hopefully, one that is mutually beneficial.
What marks a successful exchange?
Solve a problem, fulfill a need, reciprocate in kind or in value. Fulfill your end of the bargain! Leave no loose ends, and do no wrong (or fix ones done) to the other party. Without deriving benefit from the relationship, one or both parties will leave unsatisfied.
In a friendship, it’s being chill and super reliable. In a dating situation, it’s generally being a respectful, supportive partner. When something tips the scales of the value balance here, what happens? Breakups, my friend.
Professionally, your USP is important for defining how you’ll solve problems or fulfill a need at a company. When searching for a new career or making strides along your current path, your USP is important to make sure you’re getting paid a fair amount for the value you bring to the table with your skills and experience.
Start by asking yourself these questions
- What problem do you solve?
- What do you do better than the same person who can offer the same thing?
- What can you offer that they can’t get from someone else?
And finally:
- Where’s your social proof and industry cred?
Your social media presence, professional ethos and personal brand should give a peek into your areas of expertise. After reflecting on those questions, you’ll be able to easily speak to the value you can bring to a project, partnership, and organization.
What’s in it for your audience? What’s in it for your clients? What’s in it for your new boss at your dream job? What’s your unique selling proposition?