A well written value proposition helps create an immediate connection with your target audience whether they are future customers, partners or investors. People want to know immediately, what do I get for my time or money and why should I tell other people about it? In other words, what value are you bringing me?

Although a value proposition is short and easy to read, they can be one of the most difficult tasks for many start-ups and companies to complete, which is why many mistakenly go to market without one.

Although extensive homework is a prerequisite of this exercise, it will be one of the best time investments towards the marketing and development your company you can make.

By creating a value proposition that is relevant to your target audience you are saying that you know where they are coming from, where they’ve been and where they wish they could go. You’re doing the work for them, creating a connection and making it easier for them to say yes, you know my issues, I want to know more.

To build your best value proposition address these eight bullet points and remember to keep your focus heavily on understanding the core values of your target audience and what business need or pain point your offer solves.

• What are the core competencies of you company or service?
• Define who you are targeting, listen to them and understand the trends
• What problem do you solve?
• Study your competition
• Prioritize your values and choose one or two that make you stand apart from the competition
• Write an easy to read value proposition (It may be best to have a professional business writer enter at this point. Be sure to do all of the research yourself first and write out a few value propositions that your writer can start from to save $$)
• Test, test, test (Try-out at networking events or with other colleagues not familiar with your company)
• Finalize and publish (Add it to your website, business card, brochures, and networking intro)