What the hell even is value?

What Is Value?

Everyone talks about the need to provide value: deliver value, create valuable content, and achieve valuable results. But what does “value” actually mean?

That’s a huge question. I’m not here to offer a single, definitive answer — it all depends on context.

When I talk about value, I usually focus on the context of digital agencies. Whether you develop websites, perform software testing, manage social media, or handle marketing, the value your agency provides is key to its identity and success.

Understanding Your Agency’s Value

As an agency professional or owner, ask yourself: What is the real value we provide?

On Paper vs. Reality
Look at what customers pay you for. Is the service you provide exactly what’s written down? Often, the real value is in what’s not explicitly stated — the things that make clients choose to stick with you.

The Differentiating Factor
Sometimes, the value isn’t the core service itself. Competitors might offer the same thing and do it better. Yet clients stay with you because:

• You’re easy to work with.
• Communication is straightforward.
• You do small, thoughtful things that make the experience enjoyable.

These might seem like small things, but they can have a huge impact. Understanding this is crucial, especially for long-term growth and client retention.

If you find the specific things that make your clients stay, turn them into part of your business culture. These values can shape your messaging, guide your team, and even become part of your brand identity. This isn’t just a marketing spin — what you and your team actually do really sets you apart.

Adding Personal Value in Your Role

What if you’re not an agency owner but work within one — as a project manager, designer, developer, or account manager? The question shifts to: What value do you bring to your business?

Why Personal Value Matters
In smaller businesses, roles can evolve (or be ever changing), and times can get tough. The more value you add, the harder it is for the business to replace you.

I’ve worked in places where redundancy decisions have had to be made during financial downturns. It’s not always the person with the most technical skills who is kept. Sometimes, businesses keep someone who adds intangible value — like the person who keeps the team motivated or has strong client relationships.

What Makes You Valuable?

• Are you amazing at something technical, like a specialist skill or an eye for design?
• Do clients enjoy working with you because of your personality or communication style?
• Are you the kind of person who holds the team together and keeps things running smoothly?

Even small things can make a big difference. Someone who keeps the team upbeat or supports others during tough times can be just as valuable as technical skills.

How to Figure Out Your Value

If you’re unsure of your value, take these steps:

1. Observe Yourself
   Over the next few weeks, pay attention to:

   • The things you do that others in your team rely on.
   • The times when people notice if you’re not around or not doing something.
   • (Bonus: run a “Personal Audit”)

2. Ask for Feedback
   Speak to your manager or colleagues:

   • What do you think I do well?
   • Are there things I should do more of?
   • What do you think clients like about working with me?

3. Communicate What You Do
   Sometimes, others in the business won’t notice the full extent of what you contribute. You need to make your contributions visible. This isn’t about bragging; it’s about ensuring people understand what you bring to the team.

Why Communication Is Key

The way you’re perceived often depends on how well you communicate.

You might be brilliant at your job or have a great relationship with a client, but others in the team might not see that. They’d only notice if you weren’t there. Part of working in a team is making sure your value is clear to others.

If you’re naturally shy or introverted, this doesn’t mean you have to become an extrovert. But it does mean finding ways to make sure your efforts and value are recognised.

As an example, you could send your line manager or client a monthly email (or similar) documenting your achievements/actions taken. This will keep you and your efforts in mind more easily (even if they never respond).

A Challenge for Growth

Here’s something to think about:

1. Define Your Value
   Take some time to figure out what you bring to the table. This could be a technical skill, a way of working, or how you interact with clients or colleagues.

2. Understand Why It Matters
   Why is this valuable to your business, your clients, or your team?

3. Double Down on It
   Focus on doing more of what makes you valuable, and look for ways to make it a bigger part of what you do.

By doing this, you’ll not only position yourself an essential part of the team but also open up opportunities for growth — whether that’s career progression, stronger client relationships, or simply being more appreciated for what you do.

Understanding your value is the first step to making sure you’re recognised for it — and that you keep growing in the right direction.