August 2021 Newsletter How do you add value ?

How do you add value?

Are you a person who is always looking for ways to add value in the work you do? Or are you satisfied to just show up every day and fulfill the basic responsibilities of your role — nothing more and nothing less?

Bringing added value means not only doing what is expected of you but also going above and beyond. You want your supervisor, manager, team leader, or company owner to see you as someone who adds value to the company. To me, adding value is what separates the great people in every occupation from those who are merely good.

“Leadership is not about an executive position or title. It is about connection and influence. At its highest, leadership is all about adding value to the world and blessing lives through the work you do.” – Robin Sharma

Let me give you an example of how I add value as a motivational speaker. When a company sponsors me to give a presentation, I want to set myself apart from the other speakers they could have chosen. Let’s say a title company or a mortgage company brings me in to speak to a group of Realtors. Instead of just showing up for my presentation, I will add value by offering to speak to the company’s employees the day before the event or to do some one-on-one coaching with their favorite Realtor. My customers may not always take me up on my offer, but they LOVE the fact that I am willing to go above and beyond. I want to be known as a speaker who offers extra value without being asked to do so.

What can you do in your workplace to add value? Maybe you can ask your superior if anyone on the team seems to be struggling and might be able to use some extra help. Maybe you could start coming to work a little earlier every morning so you could get more done. If you want to have a higher profile in your company, then raise your value.

If you are a manager or owner of a company, have you ever asked your team to think of ways they could add value? Better yet, have you ever asked your team to suggest ways that YOU could add more value for them?

I like what John Maxwell has to say about adding value:

If you’re not doing something with your life, then it doesn’t matter how long you live. If you’re doing something with your life, then it doesn’t matter how short your life may be.

A life is not measured by years lived, but by its usefulness. If you are giving, loving, serving, helping, encouraging, and adding value to others, then you’re living a life that counts.

Intentional living is the bridge to significance. At the end of every year, I take time out to reflect and evaluate the events of the previous year — what went well and what needed improvement. From that inventory, I lay out my next year — how I intend to live, make the best use of time and maximize adding value to others.

Success asks, “How can I add value to myself?” Significance asks, “How can I add value to others?” It is your intention that lends itself to significance.

In my real estate business, I am constantly trying to find ways to add value for my sellers and buyers. For example, I let them know that they can call me 24/7 if they have questions. Another way I add value is by not charging the traditional junk fees charged by other Realtors.

Why settle for just doing the bare minimum when you know in your heart and mind that you can do much more that will benefit everyone? I refuse to be labeled “average” at anything when I know I am better than average. I know that you’re above average, too, because you’re reading this newsletter.

I believe GOD made us all equal however we can choose to be above average and to add value. We all have this God-given ability…so why not go above and beyond? How would your life change if you started looking for opportunities to add value?

To learn more about this topic and others that will motivate, inspire, and empower you, I invite you to listen to The Van Deeb Podcast. To subscribe, go to www.vandeeb.com, Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform.