Value Piles

We want ourselves and our people to be motivated to do big stuff. We want it to be a sustainable thing that everyone can commit to up front, so that we dive in with full gusto and potential.

When we set objectives for a project, we want to make them as valuable as possible. When the cost outlined, we need to know that it will be worth it. Cost includes all Jellybeans.

When making a proposal or setting goals for ourselves, being clear and explicit about the objectives makes it worth the time, energy, money, and other resources that will make this a game and a golden experience.

For example a car

If the only explicit objective is…

1. I want a car

I will send you a car for $5

If the explicit objectives are…

1. I want a car that fits people in it
2. drives them around using gasoline
3. will not break down any time soon
4. meets safety ratings
5. is blue

Now that car’s getting a higher price tag

How about all of the above, plus…

1. a brand that my friends will recognize
2. leather seats
3. clean paint
4. delivered to my door
5. less than 10k miles

That’s at least a few hundred dollar car.

It’s okay to imply some value, but we gotta make sure everyone (including ourselves) is on the same page.

I usually start with “We want…”

Talking about objectives in an inclusive and collaborative way helps us all agree on what we’re trying to do before we get to the nitty gritty.

Instead of “we want…

1. A funny mime show

it’s more like

1. an engaging experience for the audience
2. something that highlights the french origin of the brand
3. something that highlights the artistic edge of the brand
4. a performer who will be acceptable and sensitive to the entire crowd
5. something that will work even in a noisy environment
6. something that the audience has probably never seen live before
7. something that can load in and out easily
8. a world-class event

Now, we’ve got a value pile!

Instead of “I want to network with other painters because…”

1. It’s what I’m supposed to do for my business

It’s more like…

1. I will make more friends who actually get me
2. I’ll have people who might want to give me referrals
3. I’ll have people who will give me advice
4. I’ll be able to do stuff for other painters
5. I’ll maybe get inspired by new creations
6. I’ll come out of my shell a little and maybe feel more free

If it’s possible, it’s incredible

if all the objectives can be achieved, that’s baller! Everyone gets excited about a multi-tool solution that handles the business. We have a solution! More info on what to do next in my LOOTERS format for proposals.

Take Action: Reframe the past

think of a past gig where the client / prospect didn’t see the value in what. you could do for them. Make a list of the stuff that combined together in a perfect constellation that would have blown them away if they undersood.