Say it like this
- What's the value-add of this extra step?
- Free migration support is a nice value-add.
- I want to make sure I'm a value-add in that meeting.
Use it at work
Questioning work
- What's the value-add of this step?
- Is this still adding value?
Selling
- As a value-add, we offer free onboarding.
- It's included at no extra cost.
Declining politely
- I don't think I'd be a value-add here.
- Happy to read the notes instead.
Don't say this
As a verb phrase, say "adds value".
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| value-add | an extra benefit | business | products, meetings |
| value proposition | the main reason to buy | product, marketing | positioning |
| add value | the verb phrase | everyone | "does this add value?" |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. You want to politely question a meeting that seems unnecessary. What do you ask?
2. Free training for new customers is a big _______ for our enterprise plan.
3. Which sentence is correct?
4. Rewrite politely using 'value-add': 'This approval step is useless.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"What's the value-add of this extra step?"
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More about value-add
Real examples(3)
- in a retro
"Honestly, I don't see the value-add of the Friday report. Can we drop it?"
- in a sales call
"As a value-add, we include a dedicated onboarding specialist."
- declining a meeting
"I'm not sure I'd be a value-add on this call, but happy to review the notes."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. "What's the value-add?" can sound challenging. Add context so it doesn't feel like an attack.
- ✕What's the add-value?✓What's the value-add?
Word order: value-add.
- ✕It's a value-add. (with no explanation)✓It's a value-add: customers save an hour a week.
Say what the extra value actually is.
Other forms(2)
- add value verb phrase
"Does this step add value?"
- value-added adjective
"value-added services"
Often used with(3)
- what's the value-add? · questioning if something is worth it
- a nice value-add · a welcome extra
- value-added services · extras sold with a product
Similar words(3)
- benefit · plain English
- bonus · informal
- perk · for employees
Opposites(3)
- overhead
- waste
- busywork
Questions(4)
- What does value-add mean?
- An extra benefit that makes something more useful or attractive.
- What does 'what's the value-add?' mean?
- It asks why something is worth doing. It's often a polite way to challenge it.
- Is it value-add or value add?
- Both are common. The hyphenated form is more common as a noun.
- What is the difference between value-add and value proposition?
- A value proposition is the main reason customers buy. A value-add is an extra benefit on top.
