I was a guest at a networking leads group and was enjoying the commentary going around the room as each person recited whom they had referred and done business with recently. It was inspiring to hear so many people add value to the others in the room by being walking testimonials for each other. I love hearing people brag about others they’ve done business with because it fits my philosophy that you are the worst person to be selling your product. Bragging clients are perceived to be far more trustworthy than your sales copy jargon.

The culture in the room changed though, when one person said that they had to nothing to add. I thought the statement was profound – and uncomfortable. My interpretation is that this fellow felt that because he hadn’t conducted business with anyone in the room, that there was no further value to share – and I felt so strongly that his statement was false. Your presence adds value.

It’s human nature to think the world revolves around you – but it’s not all about you. When you are in a room with others, your presence has value. That value can be positive or negative – you are either adding or taking away. There is no neutral ground. You are either taking up space, or you are adding to the conversation.

You can add value to others simply with your presence. I was speaking with a friend who recently attended a funeral. So much value comes just by being present. Often, you don’t have to DO anything, but be present, listen and care.

A – add something to the conversation rather than subtract. Offer a story, a memory, a quote or brag on someone else.

D – don’t understimate your contribution. Your presence adds value. If you don’t feel like it does, read up on topics that are interesting to you and talk about them.

D – deliver the goods. Be prepared in advance with a headline or a piece of industry news. There are so many resources available online that you don’t even have to make up stuff.

People connect with people – and we all have something to add. When you focus on adding value to others, your own value will increase.