unique value proposition

you've been in that room before. the interview, the pitch, the first date. and someone asks — why you? what makes you different?

if you stumble on that question, you have a problem. not because the answer doesn't exist, but because you've never forced yourself to define it.

the uncomfortable audit

most people avoid this exercise because it requires brutal self-honesty. you have to look at what you actually bring — not what you wish you brought, not what your mom tells you is special about you — but the real, tangible value you deliver.

start with three questions:

what can you do that most people can't? this isn't about being the best in the world. it's about your specific combination of skills, experiences, and perspectives.
what problems do you solve? people don't hire skills. they don't date resumes. they invest in solutions to their problems.
what would be missing if you disappeared? harsh question. necessary question.

why this matters beyond your career

your unique value proposition isn't just a corporate buzzword. it's the foundation of self-respect. when you know exactly what you bring, you stop underselling yourself in every interaction. you stop accepting treatment that's beneath your value. you stop chasing approval from people who don't matter.

the intersection method

the magic isn't in being world-class at one thing. it's in the intersection of multiple skills. maybe you're a decent writer who also understands data analytics and has a background in psychology. individually — nothing special. combined — that's a rare and valuable package.

scott adams calls this the "talent stack." you don't need to be in the top 1% at anything. be in the top 25% at three things that complement each other, and suddenly you're in rare territory.

build yours today

write it down. one paragraph. what you bring, who benefits from it, and why nobody else delivers it quite like you do. refine it until it's sharp enough to cut glass.

then live it. every negotiation, every relationship, every interaction — lead with your value. not arrogantly. confidently. there's a massive difference.

if this resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it.