Dear Entrepreneur: You Are Your Company’s Unique Value Proposition

This blog was originally shared via email on January 28, 2018. Sign up to get my blogs in your email here

Don’t Flinch

You know a lot of my blogs come from real life experiences, right? Honestly, I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried. This week, I wanted to share something with you that happened to me when I first started on my entrepreneurship endeavor. I hope it drives you to understand how incredibly unique and valuable you are.

Let me set the scene:

This March, it’ll be a year since I first introduced the world to MOXIE Nashville, but I worked a good 8-10 months before anyone knew I left my full time job. Before I ever launched my site, I was already freelancing, getting my business license, had a different business name, and all that jazz (because let’s be clear – the money train doesn’t stop, okay?!).

Back then, I had a chat with a business coach. I wanted to ensure I was dotting my i’s and crossing my t’s as I stepped out on faith. In one meeting he posed a question to me, “What is going to be your unique value proposition in your business?”

Without hesitation, I proudly stated, “I am!”

In his eyes, that was a “cute” response, but he wasn’t impressed by it at all. He didn’t spare expressing his sentiment about it either. “Okay,” he continued, “but when you’re selling something…what’s going to make you different against competitors?”

I reiterated, “Me. I’m the difference.”

I stared back at him without flinching or moving to break the lingering silence.

If only you could have seen the look on his face! Haha

He went on to ask the question in a different way, but I stopped him to further elaborate my stance, because I could sense the direction the conversation was going in. Now let me be clear, I knew what he was asking. You learn the term “unique value proposition” in any basic managerial class. However, as someone who had just stepped outside of a major brand and was completely on her own, I also knew I had to become comfortable with just being myself and marketing “me” accordingly. I had to let go of the notion that all advantages are quantifiable. My experiences, my failures, my successes, and my work ethic all add to my value. How I attack my goals is completely different from anyone else. Even how I package my energy to include in my value prop, that’s unique too.

I look back on it now and am still kind of amazed by how my own naiveté worked in my favor in the beginning stages.

But why am I telling you this?

It’s because you have many unique experiences and qualities within you as well, and it all can work for your good. As you continually grow into your posture, there may be some people who say things to you that make you question who you are. Even more so, anxiety can quickly lead you back to your safe place after you begin a new endeavor, cut old habits, or radically change your frameworks.

All of that is part of the process. Expect situations and people to come for your new found beliefs, habits, or ventures. Just like you see something coming toward you naturally, you may mentally tense up and flinch as a reaction. In your flinch you may try to defend yourself, excuse your thoughts, or water down who you are. I challenge you to change that reflex and stand your ground.

Lose your fear, grab your faith, and sprinkle just a little moxie on top.

But, most of all…don’t flinch. We ain‘t never scared.

Always Speak Life,

Vannesia

Vannesia Darby is an experienced, results-driven digital marketing consultant who has launched successful online campaigns for brands and companies including Sony Music Entertainment; Emmy Award Winner, Rome Flynn; multi-million dollar email marketing company, ConvertKit; and the YMCA. CEO & Lead Consultant at the digital agency, MOXIE Nashville, Darby helps others pursue their passions while creating a vibrant culture of success.