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š Unique ideas for unique value creation
Phase 2 of my Activation Approach
Nicole Vasquez
November 06, 2024
Welcome back!
As a reminder (or for those of you who are new here - hi!), the last edition of my newsletter focused on the foundation-laying and insight-gathering that define the first phase of strategic engagementāwhat I call the Activation Approach.
Ever wonder how to truly stand out in someoneās mind?
Today, weāll cover Phase 2 of Activation: Unique Value Creation.
For those of you whoāve been subscribed for a couple months now, you might recall that we previously talked in-depth about providing unique valueā¦
Have no fear, this newsletter is packed with fresh examples!
My goal today is to show you simple, real-life examples of Unique Value Creation. These will help you identify opportunities to provide value and set yourself apart in others' eyes.
š£ I'm also thrilled to introduce my Activator Spotlight series, where I interview top-tier Activators to uncover their strategies and inspire others to adopt a similar mission-driven approach.
As a newsletter subscriber, you get first peek at this new episode š Reply back to me and let me know what you think š„
š¤© Personal Examples of Unique Value Creation š¤©
1) Not the same old same coffee invitation
Meeting Marisa Messana at an event two years ago was one of those instant realizations of alignment: we were both high energy, all about wellness, and loved being outdoors.
When she followed up with me, it was to invite my husband and I to play golf with her and her boyfriend. Despite the fact she was a professional golfer and I had never played an actual game of golf š«£š, she assured me it would be fun and that sheād guide me through while we got to know each other.
Although this was a four-hour commitment with someone I had just only met, I actually jumped at the opportunity!
Why?
Because it was something different (not the same old coffee or lunch meeting), and because she chose something that I am always interested in (outdoor activity, which we discussed when we first met).
It turned out to be a great investment of both of our time because sheās now one of my closest friends! ā³
2) Attracting the people you want to be around
Throughout my career I have been privileged to meet so many people who are leading in their industries, from Chicago and New York to Miami. Bringing people together with intention is one of my favorite ways to build community.
If you find yourself craving something ā intellectual conversation, more challenges at work, being around purpose-driven / high-performance people, a new hobby, to improve at a certain skill, etc. ā I encourage you to have no fear and simply coordinate something with like-minded people.
It can be as simple as inviting people you align with to a dinner, breakfast, out for a walk or a workout class, or any activity you enjoy (and think they will too).
3) Turning a difficult experience into a mission
Sometimes, the unique value isnāt something you create per se, but something you identify within yourself.
I had a doctor with more than a decade of experience ask me about expanding her network as she builds her concierge medical practice.
Among my suggestions to her were that she:
šÆ Commit to 1 thought leadership outlet for 3 months minimum, with the goal of 1x 'value creation' per week
šÆ Invite someone to a 1:1 coffee, a smoothie, or a healthy lunch weekly, depending on time and budget
šÆ Host a recurring meetup group for lifestyle enthusiasts
But where I really thought she could offer unique value? Her own life experience.
It turns out this woman had a cancer scare. Thanks to preventative testing she went through treatment and is now cancer free, but this personal experience is the reason behind her passion for preventative medicine ā and a differentiator.
Examples from around the web š„ļø
āThe Corporate Broā Ross Pomerantz built a following as a content creator by taking what is far from a unique life experience ā working in corporate ā and dressing it up with his unique ability ā humor. His hilarious, relatable corporate satire videos on Instagram have fueled speaking engagements, a merch store, and more.
The beloved psychologist Adam Grant offers tons of value as an author and thought leader on social media, but Iād like to point you to one particular example of his: his quizzes. Each fun, engaging quiz aligns with one of his books, and alongside your quiz results, he offers a free chapter of the book. Regardless of whether or not you ultimately buy the book, the quiz offers a few minutes of fun and insight, and you may even forward it on to a friend.
Value Creation in Action
Lisa Guillot is a certified transformational leadership coach and best-selling author. Dubbed a branding expert by the Chicago Tribune, Lisa brings heart, soul, and action to every coaching conversation. She works with motivated leaders through private coaching, live events and her Clear Vision U program.
Q: How do you provide a unique value when following up with someone you met?
A: āI offer to read a tarot card for them if they are into it. Most of my clients, or people I meet, have decision fatigue and also want to do something creative and fun ā so pulling a tarot card allows for both.
Tarot is a tool I use in my coaching practice to help people get loose and into possibility. Plus, they are just fun!ā
Itās clear that unique value creation is essential for building your brand, and being known for something specific is a key component of Activation.
An additional byproduct that unique value creation tends to trigger: reciprocity.
Movements and initiatives gain steam when you have a growing number of people who want to āreturn the favorā for something you did, said, or inspired them to do.
When I return to your inbox next, itāll be to introduce Phase 3: Network and Influence.
Cheers,
Nicole
In search of an Activator to consult with you, train your team, speak to a group, or even build a movement for you? Click here to learn how we can connect you with Activators to boost your momentum-building journey.
What Iāve loved recently:
š£ļø Angela Duckworth discusses grit and perseverance on āThe Prof G Show:āThe leading expert on grit shares what it takes to get to the top.
š§ āI tried Orion, Mark Zuckerbergās $10k face computerā on āChannels with Peter Kafka:ā Are these $5B+ investments in technology just a flex for billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg, or will there be practical usage for everyday people?