One of the most difficult parts of defining our personal brand is defining the value we bring.
We dance around the question.
Mention some of our strengths.
But struggle to find a succinct, powerful way to describe our unique difference.
This is where the Unique Value Proposition (UVP) comes in.
Our UVP defines the abilities and talents that make us stand out.
Communicating why people should trust us and value our contributions.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to develop a strengths-based UVP for our personal brands:
1. Identify Core Strengths
The first step is to recognize our core strengths.
The abilities that come naturally to us and that others recognize.
You can look at tools like CliftonStrengths for insights and/or ask questions like:
- What am I consistently good at?
- What skills do others often compliment me on?
- What activities make me feel energized and confident?
Once you have a long list of options, narrow down to three core strengths.
Here are three examples:
- Problem-solving, leadership, creativity
- Communication, empathy, adaptability
- Strategic thinking, decision-making, attention to detail
2. Understand How Strengths Add Value
Once the three key strengths have been identified, we can think about how they benefit others.
Your strengths might help people overcome challenges, drive results, or enhance group dynamics.
Ask yourself:
- How do my strengths make a positive impact on those around me?
- What problems do my strengths help solve?
- What unique results do I consistently achieve?
Understanding value helps craft a UVP that showcases how strengths improve situations.
Examples:
- If you’re great at problem-solving and leadership, your value might be in guiding teams through complex challenges to find innovative solutions.
- If you’re strong in communication and empathy, you might excel at helping people feel understood and resolving conflicts in collaborative environments.
3. Find a Unique Combination
A UVP should highlight individual strengths AND how they work together.
The unique combinations of our strengths are what sets us apart.
When skills complement one another, they provide extra value.
Ask yourself:
- What is the unique mix of strengths that only I bring to the table?
- How does my strengths combination create something greater than the sum of its parts?
Examples:
- If you combine creativity with strategic thinking, you’re not just coming up with new ideas, you’re also developing practical plans that make those ideas achievable.
- If you blend organizational skills with attention to detail, you offer both big-picture management and flawless execution.
4. Articulate the Impact of Strengths
Next, think about the outcomes or transformations your strengths lead to.
Rather than just listing your skills, focus on the impact of those strengths.
Ask yourself:
- What positive outcomes do my strengths lead to?
- How do I help people or organizations achieve their goals?
- What transformation happens because of the way I apply my strengths?
Examples:
- “I solve complex problems by bringing clarity and focus to teams, helping them stay on track and motivated.”
- “I use my strong communication and adaptability skills to foster trust and collaboration in fast-changing environments.”
5. Craft a Strength-Based UVP
Now, combine all these elements into a clear and concise UVP.
One that communicates who you are, your key strengths, and the value or impact you bring.
Your UVP should highlight how your unique mix of strengths benefits others.
This should cover both personal interactions or professional settings.
You can follow a format like:
“I am [your name], and I excel at [core strengths]. I help [people or organizations] achieve [desired results or impact] through my unique ability to [specific outcomes tied to your strengths].”
Example Strengths and UVP Statements:
- Strengths: Problem-solving, creativity, and leadership. UVP Statement: “I excel at solving complex problems and leading teams to success. Through my creative thinking and ability to connect different ideas, I bring clarity and innovative solutions to any challenge, helping others stay focused and motivated.”
- Strengths: Communication, empathy, and adaptability. UVP Statement: “My greatest strength is my ability to communicate clearly and empathetically. I adapt to different personalities and situations with ease, helping people feel heard and understood, which builds trust and fosters collaboration in any environment.”
- Strengths: Strategic thinking, decision-making, and analytical skills. UVP Statement: “I have a talent for strategic thinking and making sound decisions based on deep analysis. My strength lies in evaluating complex situations and distilling them into actionable steps, enabling teams to move forward with confidence and precision.”
6. Test and Refine Your UVP
Finally, once you have crafted your Unique Value Proposition, use it.
We can leverage our UVP on our resume, in interviews, when networking, or on social media.
Notice how people respond to it and how well it communicates strengths.
Don’t be afraid to adjust and refine it over time.
As our strengths and career evolve, so will our Unique Value Proposition.
Your Turn
Have you ever created a Unique Value Proposition?
Could you use these steps to better articulate the value you bring?
How could you find 15 minutes today to get started crafting your UVP?