How You Can Make Yourself ‘The Product’

Every single person reading this was born. You likely went to school, read some books, and surfed the internet.

Yet everyone’s individual experience is unique. And the beauty about being human is that everyone loves a good story.

You just have to ‘tell’ it right. To captivate your readers. Get them hooked, anticipating more.

And when you’ve decided to build a personal brand…

It’s the number one thing you need to identify.

What is your unique selling proposition?

How are you going to convince others to listen to what you say, and potentially buy products from you?

That’s what we’ll cover in today’s edition.

Identifying your unique selling point

1. Audit your skills: Get a piece of paper and write down what you're killer at. I mean, pour it all out. Don't second-guess, don't be modest. We're looking for raw material here, and yes, even your killer ability to juggle counts. And if you need help, ask your parents — they might know what you’re naturally good at (which is often invisible to ourselves), and can give you assistance.

2. Scope out the competition: Hit the social media platforms, and study your competitors like you're prepping for an exam. Notice the gaps in what they're offering. That's your entryway. That's where you plant your flag.

3. Craft your narrative: You've got a story to tell. Whether it's your rags-to-riches journey or the challenges you overcame, weave it in a way that's relatable. You're not just selling a product; you're selling an experience, a journey. Your audience needs to see themselves in your story. What value are you bringing?

4. Keep it authentic: Listen, the internet's filled with knock-offs, and people can spot a fake from a mile away. Your USP has to be you. Embrace your quirks, your flaws. Authenticity isn't a strategy; it's a lifestyle.

5. Iterate based on feedback: This isn't a "set it and forget it" gig. Trends change, people change, and you'll change too. So, keep a finger on the pulse, listen to your audience, and don't be afraid to tweak your USP to keep it fresh and relevant.

If done correctly, that’s all you need to make your decision. Figure out what you’re good at, start analyzing content and testing some of your own, and adjust.

How to monetize your product

So you've identified your unique selling point, nailed your narrative, and built a following that's genuinely invested in what you have to offer.

Fantastic.

But now comes the million-dollar question: How do you monetize this baby? And let's get specific here.

Take a piano teacher, for instance. You could offer a monthly membership for unlimited online classes at a range of $100 to $200 per month. Not only does this create predictable income, but it also allows you to scale because you're not trading your time for money. But say you want to take it up a notch?

Consider offering private mentorship programs at a premium — let's say $3,000 per month. At this rate, you're not just teaching piano; you're crafting musicians, and that demands a higher price point.

Or let's talk about someone with a landscaping business. You've spent years honing your craft, so why not teach others how to build their landscaping business? Develop a high-value course priced at $997.

Not only does this price point weed out the tire-kickers, but it also attracts serious folks ready to invest in your expertise.

The key here isn't to offer everything but to choose the right product that aligns with your skills and your audience's needs. It could be a low-ticket course, a high-value program, or even personalized mentorship.

Your unique skill set should dictate your monetization strategy. Choose wisely, implement ruthlessly, and watch the dollars roll in.

Cheers,

Andrew Duggan