ADDING VALUE

"ADDING VALUE TO OTHERS IS THE SUREST WAY TO ADD VALUE TO YOURSELF".

This statement has long been a mantra of mine. From a young age living with my grandparents in the United Kingdom, the merit of 'adding value' was instilled in me. What does this mean?.... well, simply 'showing up' is not enough! While it seems like just another buzzphrase, in reality adding value is something we should try to achieve in everything we do.

I am a Sales Manager at EMAAR - the largest integrated community developer in the Middle East and third largest in the world. EMAAR stand tall in adding value to the UAE, the City of Dubai. How do they do this? By adding value the lives of people living in their communities and visiting the UAE. Why are they so successful - well here I could speak for hours, but in its purest form they make it their business to know what people want and they give it to them! Example - when buying a villa in an EMAAR community, what would you hope for? I beautifully designed and finished villa, of course, this is the basic product. But you would also want it to be in a Community where you can live, laugh, play. A pleasant lifestyle environment for your family. You'd want pools, greenery, sports courts, easily accessible quality shopping. Great infrastructure, security, cleanliness, a community spirit - events, You would want to turn your 'house' into a 'home'. The additions to the concrete delivery is the added value.

Let's look at another example, you apply for a job. Does an employer care why you need a job? NO! Are they looking to help someone whom needs to support their family? NO! Are they looking for someone whom answers a need, a requirement they have to fulfil a business gap? YES! Does the employer care about how you will add value to their business, more that any other candidate? YES!

In all examples, adding value is what sets you apart from the competition and is the surest way to add value to yourself.