How to Use the Ikigai Model to Define your UVP!

You may have heard of the term “Ikigai Model” and even seen Venn diagram illustrations of it online. This article explores what it is and how it can help you decide on your UVP!

First of All, What is a UVP?

Simply, a Unique Value Proposition “UVP” is a statement that clearly describes the unique benefits that a product or service provides to customers. This is an essential element of any marketing strategy as it helps businesses differentiate themselves from their competitors. As important as this is, creating a UVP is not an easy task, as it requires careful analysis and planning.

When you have a clear and strong personal brand, you attract opportunities.
You do not need to have tens of years of experience,
nor do you need to be a guru in your field.
You need to have a solid UVP!

Examples of Unique Value Propositions:

1️⃣ I teach coaches and entrepreneurs how to get more leads on LinkedIn

2️⃣ I work with Entrepreneurs & CEOs to maximize their energy and productivity.

3️⃣ I help organizations to emerge by magnifying connections and communication.

So, Why Focus on Personal Branding?

Given that your UVP is a statement that communicates the unique benefit your product or service provides to your target audience, setting you apart from your competitors, personal branding is the tool that will help you position yourself with a unique image and reputation in your industry or field. Your personal brand is what helps you communicate your UVP to your target audience.

What is the Ikigai Model?

Why do you wake up in the morning?

The Ikigai model is a Japanese concept that translates to “reason for being” or “a reason to wake up in the morning”.

The Ikigai model is a Venn diagram that combines four elements:

1️⃣ What you love (Passion):
This quadrant is about your passions and interests. It’s the heart’s calling, things that bring joy and energize you. Whether it’s art, solving problems, or caring for others, it’s crucial to identify these to feel emotionally fulfilled.

2️⃣ What the world needs (Mission):
This element focuses on external needs and the impact you can have. It’s about aligning your passions and skills with what the world requires – be it innovation, empathy, or leadership.

3️⃣ What you are very good at (Vocation):
These are your skills and talents. It’s not just about what you can do well, but also what you can excel in with a sense of ease and enthusiasm. From analytical thinking to creative pursuits, recognizing your strengths is a step towards mastery.

4️⃣ What exactly you can be paid for (Profession):
The pragmatic aspect of Ikigai, this quadrant, addresses the economic reality. It’s crucial to find a way to sustain oneself financially by pursuing their Ikigai.

The intersection of these four elements is your Ikigai, which represents your purpose in life. The journey to discovering your Ikigai, is both enlightening and practical. It’s about finding that sweet spot where your passions, skills, societal needs, and economic opportunities converge.

Finding your Ikigai can help you achieve a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and satisfaction. It can also help you navigate important life decisions, such as career choices, by providing a framework for aligning your passions, skills, and values.

In essence, the Ikigai model encourages individuals to reflect on what they truly enjoy doing, what they are good at, what the world needs, and what they can be paid for, and to find the overlap between these four elements. By doing so, individuals can find meaning and purpose in their lives.

How Ikigai model is an important step for finding your UVP and building your brand:

✅ Navigate through the Ikigai model to find what you are passionate about and accordingly focus on the knowledge that can be used to craft your UVP.
✅ This Ikigai model also helps you to find “what you can get paid for”, not just only “follow your passion” style. Passion “only” will not pay your bills
✅ By identifying your Ikigai, you gain a deeper understanding of your purpose and can align your personal brand with it.
✅ When building your personal brand, you have to identify what sets you apart and showcase your unique perspective and ideas.
✅ Knowing your Ikigai can also help you make strategic decisions about your career and business.

Building a personal brand that reflects your values and purpose can help you create a fulfilling and balanced life that aligns with your Ikigai.

Now, it’s your turn!
Complete the following phrase.
I am a …., I help …… to achieve …… through ……

Finally, do you want to step ahead?

The “LinkedIn Influence Accelerator” is a course for founders, coaches, and communicators. It is crafted for professionals who want to create a process for consistent growth while enjoying time freedom.

Start boosting your personal brand now!