Have You Struggled to Clearly Explain Your Value?
In the early days of my business, I knew I had valuable skills. I was helping Deaf and hearing communities through ASL translation, coaching, and other services. But when it came time to explain what I did and why it mattered, I struggled.
I tried to be everything to everyone. I thought casting a wide net would help me attract more clients, but instead, it left people confused about what I offered. Potential clients didn’t understand how I could help them, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how to explain it.
When I finally got serious about clarifying my value proposition, everything changed. Suddenly, I wasn’t chasing clients—they were coming to me.
If you’ve ever struggled to define the problem you solve or explain the unique value you bring to the table, keep reading. I’ll share how I clarified my value proposition and how it transformed my business.
What Is a Value Proposition and Why Does It Matter?
A value proposition is a simple, clear statement that explains:
- The problem you solve.
- Who you solve it for.
- What makes your solution unique.
Why is it important? Because a strong value proposition sets you apart in a crowded market. It attracts the right clients and builds trust because people can see exactly how you’ll help them.
When you can clearly express your value, you stop competing for attention. Your ideal audience knows why they need you—and that’s incredibly powerful.
How I Clarified My Value Proposition
The Struggles I Faced Early On
When I first started, I wanted to help everyone. I offered ASL translation services, interpreting, and coaching, thinking the more I offered, the better my chances of landing clients. But this approach left me overwhelmed and scattered.
I spent hours on calls with leads who weren’t aligned with my services or goals. These conversations drained my energy and drove down my closing ratio.
The Turning Point
The real shift happened when I reflected on my audience. I realized I needed to focus on the people I connected with most: Deaf parents who wanted financial freedom and time for their families.
I reworked my messaging to focus on their unique struggles—balancing a full-time job, supporting a family, and wanting more from life. I started explaining how my coaching could teach them high-ticket sales skills to build a sustainable income stream.
The impact was immediate. My leads became more aligned, my conversations more meaningful, and my results more consistent.
One example stands out. A Deaf dad came to me struggling to make time for his family while growing his income. After working together, he landed a high-ticket client within 30 days. Seeing his success reinforced that I was on the right path.
How to Build Your Value Proposition
If you’re ready to clarify your value proposition, here’s how to get started:
1. Clarify the Problem You Solve
Ask yourself: What problem are my ideal clients facing, and how can I help them? For me, it was helping Deaf parents achieve financial freedom while balancing family life.
2. Identify Your Unique Value
Think about what makes your approach special. My personal experience as a Deaf entrepreneur allows me to connect deeply with my clients because I’ve been where they are.
3. Communicate It Clearly
Use simple, direct language. Test your message by sharing it with friends or clients. Refine it until it’s memorable and specific.
Here’s an example of my refined value proposition:
“I help Deaf parents achieve financial freedom by teaching them high-ticket sales strategies while balancing family life.”
Here’s an example of my own value proposition showing how clarity makes a difference:
Before Value Proposition
“I help anyone who needs ASL services, translation, or coaching. My goal is to make things accessible, provide support, and help people succeed.”
Why it’s unclear:
- Too broad—doesn’t specify who you’re helping or the specific problem you’re solving.
- Lacks differentiation—doesn’t explain why your approach or services are unique.
After Value Proposition
“I help Deaf parents with full-time jobs create extra income streams through high-ticket sales coaching, empowering them to achieve financial, time, and location freedom while spending more quality time with their families. My unique approach blends my lived experience as a Deaf entrepreneur with proven strategies to build sustainable success.”
Why it works:
- Clear problem: Addresses the challenge of trading time for dollars and lack of financial freedom.
- Specific audience: Focuses on Deaf parents with full-time jobs.
- Unique value: Highlights your lived experience and tailored strategies.
Personal Lessons Learned
Letting Go of Trying to Help Everyone
One of the hardest mindset shifts I had to embrace was being okay with saying no to unqualified leads. At first, it felt counterintuitive—I wanted to help as many people as possible. But I learned that specificity creates trust.
By narrowing my focus, I was able to connect with clients who truly aligned with my services. These clients were motivated, ready to learn, and open to growth, which made the work more rewarding for both of us.
Authenticity Attracts the Right Clients
When I started sharing my journey and speaking directly to my audience’s challenges, I noticed a shift. People began reaching out, saying they resonated with my story. Authenticity has been the key to building trust and lasting connections.
Ready to Define Your Value Proposition?
If you’re feeling stuck, here’s my advice:
- Take a step back and ask yourself what problem you solve better than anyone else.
- Think about who you love working with and what makes your approach unique.
- Don’t be afraid to say no to work that doesn’t align with your goals.
Building a strong value proposition takes time, but once you have it, it will transform your business.
Let’s Stay Connected
Want more insights on building a one-person business? Subscribe for updates and weekly tips. Have questions or need help clarifying your value proposition? Reach out to me via email—I’m more than happy to connect and to see if I can help.