The single biggest mistake that most photographers make is that they don’t know what makes them special. To be noticed, you want to identify why you are not like the others. Because if you don’t, you may as well be wearing an invisibility cloak.
The first step to getting noticed is to identify your personal value proposition (PVP).
“Wait, Beate,” you say. “What IS a personal value proposition?”
I know you have heard the term unique selling proposition (USP) many times. You already know that your USP is the key to every marketing message and sales pitch that you will ever make.
Your PVP is a little different. This is how you explain to someone the value you are bringing to the table. Your PVP is your unique skill set. It is part of building your personal brand.
Some people seem at ease making bold statements about their areas of expertise. During a recent trip, a few of us were brainstorming about ideas for a ‘Grow Your Business’ course. “I am really good at operations,” said Gary. Gary’s not shy about his PVP. Another very bold statement I have never forgotten was said by my mentor, Jeff, after he sold his company for millions. “At the end of the day, I am just a guy who wants to win.”
As a certified Myers-Briggs practitioner, I help my coaching clients identify their innate strengths. Once you know what your strengths are, you can use them to your advantage.
Here is an example. In Meyers-Briggs terms, I am an ENTP (the same as Steve Jobs…). One of my strengths is that I can step back and look at my work product with objectivity. I know if it is good or bad. I put this skill to use at my first Myers-Briggs training when I was asked to write down what I think of myself and how I relate to others. Looking at my own words, two more words came to mind and they escaped my mouth before I could stop them. “Arrogant a**hole.” That’s what the person I had written about (me) sounded like in black and white. Ouch!
I like processes and systems (are you surprised?). I tend to think that if the processes and systems are good, the people should be happy. But before I had my arrogant a**hole moment I sometimes neglected the needs of the people. Now I always look for team members who complement my love for systems and who innately ask, “How will this affect the people? Will they be okay with these systems?”
For today, I want you to really think about this and get started on the idea of creating your personal value proposition. What are you good at? What is special about your work or what you offer? No judgment, just an easy first step.
Click here for Step 2 of creating your very own PVP.
