Question #1: How Can You Provide Value?
The first question you need to ask yourself is: How can I provide value? This question shifts your focus from what you want to what you can give. In my experience, the most successful people aren’t those who chase money or status—they’re the ones who consistently deliver value to others.
Value creation takes different forms:
- How can you be more productive?
- What unique skills or perspectives do you bring?
- How can you be of service to others?
When I was building my career at Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, I wasn’t focused on becoming famous or wealthy. I concentrated on how I could provide exceptional value to our clients and partners. This mindset opened doors I never imagined possible.
Too many professionals get stuck because they’re asking “What do I want?” instead of “What can I give?” This subtle shift in thinking can transform your career trajectory. Value-creators are always in demand, regardless of economic conditions or industry trends.
Question #2: Who Has What You Want?
The second critical question is more strategic: Who is already in the situation you want to be in? Once you’ve identified how you can provide value, you need to connect with people who have achieved what you’re aiming for.
This approach bypasses years of trial and error. Why stumble around in the dark when others have already found the light switch? I’ve built my entire career on this principle—finding mentors and role models who were where I wanted to be, then learning directly from them.
When you identify these people, the next step is simple but powerful: ask for their guidance. Most successful people are willing to help others who demonstrate genuine interest and a commitment to providing value.
This isn’t about cold-calling celebrities or CEOs. It’s about thoughtfully identifying people whose career path or current position aligns with your aspirations, then approaching them with respect and clarity about how you can provide value in exchange for their insights.
The Power of This Two-Question Framework
What makes these two questions so effective is their simplicity and focus on action rather than endless introspection. They work whether you’re:
- A recent graduate figuring out their first career move
- A mid-career professional considering a pivot
- An entrepreneur deciding on their next venture
- A senior executive planning your legacy
I’ve seen this framework work for Olympic athletes, Fortune 500 executives, and college students alike. The questions transcend industry, experience level, and background.
When you combine value-creation with strategic relationship-building, you create a powerful engine for career advancement. You stop waiting for opportunities and start making them.
Moving Beyond Confusion to Clarity
Many people stay stuck because they’re waiting for perfect clarity before taking action. But clarity comes from action, not the other way around. By focusing on how you can provide value and connecting with those who have what you want, you create momentum that generates its clarity.
I’ve coached thousands of professionals through career transitions, and those who embrace these two questions move forward with confidence, while others remain paralyzed by indecision.
The beauty of this approach is that it’s entirely within your control. You don’t need special connections, an elite education, or extraordinary talent. You just need to focus on value creation and strategic relationship building.
So instead of wondering what you should do next in your career, ask yourself: How can I provide value, and who has already achieved what I want? Then take action on the answers. Your next opportunity is waiting on the other side of these two simple questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I identify the specific value I can provide?
Start by assessing your strengths, skills, and experiences. What do people consistently come to you for help with? What problems do you solve naturally? Ask trusted colleagues or friends what they see as your unique contributions. Sometimes our most valuable assets are the things we do so naturally we don’t recognize them as special.
Q: What if I don’t know anyone who has the career I want?
You don’t need to personally know these people initially—research professionals in your desired field through LinkedIn, industry publications, or company websites. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences where they might speak. Join professional groups or associations. Start with connections of connections – your network likely extends further than you realize.
Q: How do I approach someone I admire without seeming opportunistic?
Lead with genuine interest and respect for their time. Be specific about why you’re reaching out to them in particular. Prepare thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your homework. Most importantly, look for ways to provide value to them first – share an article relevant to their interests, offer assistance with a project, or connect them with a useful resource.
Q: What if I’m interested in multiple career paths?
Apply these two questions to each path you’re considering. How can you provide value in each direction? Find people in each field and have exploratory conversations. These discussions will often reveal which path aligns best with your strengths and interests. Sometimes you’ll discover creative ways to combine multiple interests into a unique career proposition.
Q: How long should this process take before I make a decision?
There’s no universal timeline, but avoid analysis paralysis. Set a reasonable timeframe for exploration – perhaps 30-90 days, depending on your circumstances. During this period, focus on having meaningful conversations and testing small ways to provide value in your areas of interest. The clarity you gain from action will help you make a confident decision when your timeline concludes.
