As a child, I didn’t learn how to read until I was 11 years old.  I was terrible at math (I still don’t know my multiplication tables), and I couldn’t memorize state capitols if my life depended on it.  My mother thought I was brilliant, dynamic, and perfect.  Why?  BECAUSE I WAS HOMESCHOOLED.

I not-so-secretly think it’s a prerequisite as a homeschool mom to believe your child is amazing.  My mom was fond of telling me I was unique and special, but it wasn’t until I set foot in a public high school my freshman year that I understood just how wrong she was.

No matter what my momma said, I wasn’t a special snowflake.  I was one of thousands of kids trying to stand out in the world.

But I learned a valuable lesson:  it’s not enough to be awesome.  In business (just like in life), people invest in you when you present value for THEM.  You might think you have an amazing product or service (or, if you’re my mother’s child, think you’re amazing just for breathing), but if your business doesn’t help them [lose weight, save time, make better food, find love, etc.] make their life easier [by getting organized, managing their kids, offering shortcuts, etc], or diminish fear [by demonstrating safety, salvaging opportunity costs, giving guidance], you’ll have a hard time getting someone to pay for what your business provides.

It’s not enough to have a great product.  It’s not enough to have a great service.  It’s not enough to be the best at what you do.  In fact, I don’t believe that the most successful entrepreneurs are the best…the most successful entrepreneurs are those who show their value to their customers.  Period.