There are many different business models and opportunities for the Individual Entrepreneur.  A few business models and opportunities are based upon a “knock your socks off” product or service that is quite unique however, these are actually very rare. Some businesses and opportunities to develop income offer distinctions that you would not typically find someplace else but such a distinction may not be the biggest key to success.

When it comes to automobiles, the Ford/Chevy models are considered very different from the Rolls Royce or Bentley models. However, all of the models will transport passengers from one point to another.  The question becomes; what is the magic sauce that leads to success regardless of whether the product is a Rolls or a Chevy? Is it to bring forth the most amazing product or service or is it more so about bringing forth the most amazing way to personalize the manner in which you serve the people?

Experience appears to reveal that we add value to a relationship when we are able to satisfy and exceed the expectations and needs of the other person or audience. The relationship grows in value as expectations and needs are consistently achieved and exceeded. When expectations and needs are no longer apparent, the relationship(s) often terminates. This is true for marriage, friendship, and of course the customer/client.  Therefore, the question becomes; How do we add value to the effort?

We share 5 thoughts that can be integrated into growth strategies that serve the purpose of adding value to the relationship so essential to growing the business. As you read through our thought-starters, you will also add your own.

1. Be grateful and demonstrate your gratitude in the communication you have with the customer or member. The cost is zero. You are investing and betting on the power of language and the impact that words have on the other person. You are always grateful that others have chosen you to provide a product or service.
2. Remind the audience consistently of your purpose to serve them in a manner that always meets and exceeds their expectations. When you act in this manner, you also create accountability for delivering on the promises you make. It’s a win-win strategy.
3. Consistently share specific objectives for what you intend to accomplish through the relationship and the principles and values you adhere to. If you are providing a product or service that saves time and money, repeat the assertion frequently and hold yourself accountable. If you are enhancing some specific aspect of the other person’s life, state the assertion clearly and remind them often. People tend to forget.

Key Thoughts: People want to have fun! If you can add some fun to the lives of those in your audience, you add value. This is often attempted through incentives and recently through gamification techniques. However, this can also be accomplished through simple recognition and storytelling of someone who has acknowledged satisfaction and enjoyment related to the experience you provided. The thoughts that we have provided are simply thought starters. They do not require investment of marketing dollars; they only require that you demonstrate what you value. By doing so, you add value to the lives of those in your audience and those you plan to bring into your audience.

Principles and Values often hang on the walls of executive offices or are found in the annual reports that publicly traded companies publish each year. Where are the principles and values during the other 364 days each year. Are they merely hanging on the walls of offices or are they within the mindset of every member of the organization or company – business of any size? What is the stated purpose and commitment of the organization or business? When the preceding are actually clearly communicated and within the mindset of every individual, every member of the organization or enterprise, large or small, the entity has a rudder that serves to help with the navigation required to weather the storms and the smooth seas which support the faster ride, always in the planned direction.