What You Are Worth

Show me what you know and I will show you what you are worth.

In this economy, if you don’t know much or you only have common knowledge, then you get paid a little.

Having special knowledge and developing high value knowledge correlates with your worth.

I realize these may seem like strong statements, but take a look around and see how things work. That curiosity will illuminate what I am talking about.

If you stop growing and only have a mundane knowledge that many others have as well, then you are a mere choice among many. You are a commodity and you get paid commodity prices.

If you choose to grow and learn things that help you to become extremely valuable and scarce, then your knowledge distinguishes you. You get paid handsomely because choice is limited and value is extremely high.

So how do you increase your worth? Do more than is required. Explore the nooks and crannies of your domain. Know more than everyone else. You have to be relentlessly curious and embrace failure.

People that can walk this path carry a conviction that separates them from the general marketplace of talent. It’s a mindset that few are willing to pursue because it means working hard and continually improving while everyone else takes it easy.

But it’s worth it. You don’t have to live in fear. You create your own value over time and discover that the world comes knocking at your door.

So if you provide a service, become worth more. Read up and try out new ways to deliver loyalty, customer service and upselling.

If you are in technology, keep pushing your knowledge base and figure out how to monetize ideas and technologies in ways others are missing.

There’s a world of opportunity and if you commit to continual growth, discovery and trials new realities start to open up.

Being like everyone else gets you paid like everyone else. If you’re not innovating, you’re merely surviving.

So, what can you learn today to make you more special?