Most people overlook one key truth: you only ever receive a fraction of the value you produce for others. If you want to earn more—whether that means income, recognition, or influence—you must create something people genuinely value. It is not enough to believe you are delivering value; the other person needs to see it, want it, and feel it improves their life in a tangible way.
Increasing financial wealth, enhancing status, or boosting social connections are common categories of value. Ask yourself how your product, service, or skill benefits people in these areas. If the benefit is vague or hard to measure, do the work to make it clearer. Make your offering essential, something that people will pay for because they cannot afford to go without it.
Once you increase the value others gain, think about improving the fraction of that value that comes back to you. This might involve renegotiating terms, better highlighting your contribution, or finding markets that pay a higher return. The goal is not to drain others but to align your reward with the real impact you are providing.
Stop focusing on your perspective alone. Measure the effect you have on people’s finances, status, or social capital. Make that effect stronger and more evident. Then ensure you position yourself to benefit in a way you deserve.