_{This weeks Hussle Topic is all about the why building value is a better approach than chasing money.}

One thing I realised very early on in my career, is that In every industry, money is a byproduct of value. Focusing on being the person who brings the most value will always keep you head. The key to success in this thing is to not chase money but to consistently deliver value. When you do that, the pounds & dollars will naturally follow.

So what exactly is value? Value is the worth or importance you bring to others. It's about making a difference in someone's life or business through your unique skills, expertise, or solutions. True value goes beyond financial transactions—it's about the impact and lasting benefits you provide.

When starting out, a lot of things will be about value exchange rather than direct monetary gain. This concept is crucial to understand and embrace. It’s not just about money; it’s about doing things that will develop your value over a long period of time to a point where it's undeniable.

As a creative, your value lies in your expertise and unique identity. When someone needs your particular skill or style, they should think of you first. Here’s how to grow that:

I think so many people underplay what it takes to become a master at your craft. Becoming an expert means continuous learning and practice. Making sure you are studying your craft as if it was school. The more skilled you are, the more indispensable you become. Excellence in your craft makes you the go-to person in your niche. 

Stand out by being authentically you. Do your best to find what your style, voice, and approach is. This uniqueness makes you memorable and sets you apart from others in the game.

Showcase your best work in a cohesive portfolio that allows anyone to see what exactly theyll get from working with. This not only demonstrates your skills but also your growth and consistency as a creative..

Interact with your audience and peers. Building relationships within your community reinforces your identity and increases your visibility. I always say network sideways and be the person your peers know for your thing that you do.

Reliability is crucial. As someone booking you or working with you, I need to trust that I am going to get what I need from you. Consistently delivering high-quality work will reinforces your reputation and value as a creative/business. To be booked and busy you need to be consistently great.

As a creative, it's really important to be self-reflective and honest with your self when evaluating your value. Theres a thin line between over hyping your value and underselling yourself so here are some questions you might s. Consider these scenarios:

Many early-stage talents charge the same as individuals with much more experience and value. Ask yourself, "What value does this person get from booking me?"

Imagine you're a music artist quoting a rate of £1000 to a promoter. Reflect on whether your presence on the flyer and performance will bring in £1000 worth of customers, and more. Have you sold out your own show where £1000 was made?

When you start looking at things this way, you might realise that you haven't actually reached that level of value yet.

Consider the additional value you bring to a project or collaboration. This could be your unique style, reliability, cultural capital, or the ability to attract an audience.

The truth is, no one who is highly valuable is underpaid. When you bring genuine value—whether through creative mastery or effective business solutions—the byproduct is financial reward. Focus on creating and delivering real value, and the money will follow.

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_{I’ve found that curiosity is one of the keys to growing in this industry. The moment you stop learning, is the moment you stop growing so every week in Curiosity Corner. l share a bunch of random books, youtube videos, music I listen to and more that have and still help me develop both personally and professionally. Have a look and let me know your thoughts!}