Q: What is a Personal Value Statement?

A: Just as any product offering must have a compelling value proposition in order to succeed in the market, so must you have a personal value proposition in order for you to succeed in your career growth market. Like the product-oriented value proposition, this is a clear statement of the value that you deliver and the importance of that value.

This statement is easily the most important element in the Knowledge Professional’s personal branding strategy. This is the statement that articulates your role and your value. In addition to driving career discussions with executives, derivatives of this statement are used to top your resume, in your personal profile on the company intranet, to introduce you in public speaking situations and as thematic content in any promotional pieces about you. It must be clear, it must be concise, yet descriptive and certainly it must be memorable.

An example of a personal value proposition might be: “I’m a complex deal architect. I can help you construct innovative contractual arrangements that reduce risk and create win-win value for multiple parties to the deal. I’ve accelerated the execution of $40 million in new deals for my division in the last 12 months.”

Clearly it is not an off-the-cuff statement of someone who is quick on their feet. It is a purposeful declaration that is to be delivered with clarity and passion. Take your time in thinking it through. Write and re-write it until it accomplishes everything you need for it to accomplish. Then practice it so it sounds natural and not boastful, but confident.