Value: It’s Just About… Life.

You walk into a store and the article of clothing you just saw in that magazine is on sale, the tablet you thought was so cool is now selling at a discount, the car you’ve been wanting to buy is now just the right price. You have found yourself a good deal, something of great value. Sure you have, sort of.

What does value really mean? Does it make the sale? Or does it complete your buy-in? There’s a huge difference. And it runs deep. Just ask Albert Einstein, or at least take a peek at his quote above.

Value. It might just be the single greatest word ever invented, because it is what connects you to others, whether it’s a family member, friend, or co-worker. Have you ever stopped to really think about it? Maybe it’s time, because it might be the one thing, the only thing that matters.

Value. Bringing value to someone else’s life is what it’s all about, it’s why another person chooses to care about you, or to do business with you, because you are helping them by enriching their life in ways which might not be possible without you, or because you simply do it better than anyone else they have ever met.

Ever stop to think of why that person chose to fall in love with you? Besides your winning personality, and of course your good looks :), it’s because you bring value to their life, you make their life worth more. You are of value to them and now they care.

I believe it’s the secret to a happy existence. Because if you can make someone else happy, if you make them feel important, if you help them solve a problem, lift them up, or make their life more meaningful, there’s the real value. If gratitude is the attitude that changes everything, then value is all about the close. But you’re not selling them, they’re buying in. The other person will come to appreciate your talents, but only after you show appreciation for them, look them in the eye and ask, “how can I help you?” Bring value right to their doorstep.

People only want to truly do business with someone else who can bring them value, help them solve a problem, get them to a better place. In my role as a financial services professional this is key, it’s all about the value and the relationship, developing a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Professionally and personally, it’s the only way.

Who can you bring value to today? It’s a question worth thinking about.

The people who mean most to you in your life, they are the ones who deserve to feel valued, because it goes both ways. You give and then you get, many times over. This week I watched my daughter Emily, who is now the starting pitcher for her softball team, strike out the side. She gets better every time out. She practices, she cares, and she is getting results. In fact Emily works hard at everything she wants to accomplish. She has secured more straight “A” quarters in school then I can keep up with, (though I’m sure she knows how many ;)). Just yesterday we learned my other daughter Sophie made the Honor Society, as she prepares to enter her final year of middle school. What a great moment. Talk about value. My wife Debbie and I value our children, their happiness and their success. We have put effort into showing them a good work ethic, to help them be the best they can be. Life provides fewer payoffs greater than the rewards of our values being transferred to our daughters and their accomplishments in life. It is life affirming.

Then there’s this blog. Value? I don’t know, you tell me. I hope so. I know it is what I strive to accomplish, to write down words, to share an idea, share a story, share something I have noticed, something I have learned, some perspective on life. I want to bring meaning and bring value to the few minutes you might choose to pay attention. This is for you. This is the place I share my thoughts, my heart and my hope, in the hope it brings value to you. And every time I do it, every post I write, every time I open my heart and “bleed” on this blog, it is becoming a bigger part of who I am.

Value. This is my goal, this is my purpose. And so I will end with this. With a few questions. If you find value here, can you tell me why? And how might I bring more value to you?

The comment page is open. Or you can message me on Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail.

I value what you have to say. Thanks for allowing me into your life. It’s an honor.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark