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Present value and proof

About 25 minutes
Work at your own pace. Optional videos take extra time.
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Before you begin

The idea in everyday life

Connect a recommendation directly to discovered needs using credible evidence and clear tradeoffs.

The idea

Value is the bridge between a verified problem and a believable better state.

Try it

One step at a time.

Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.

  1. 1

    Restate the agreed current state and desired outcome before showing the proposed approach.

  2. 2

    Map each feature or activity to a relevant benefit, then to an outcome the buyer said matters.

  3. 3

    Use comparable proof, samples, transparent assumptions, and limitations rather than inflated guarantees.

  4. 4

    Present scope, responsibilities, timeline, price, success measures, and what is deliberately excluded.

Example

See how it works.

The editor proposes a weekly batch workflow and 48-hour review window, supported by a before-and-after case from a similarly paced channel.

Check your work

Did you cover these?

  • Your work includes a one-page value case with problem evidence, recommendation, proof, assumptions, scope, and success measures.
  • Check this common mistake: Delivering the same feature tour to every buyer regardless of what discovery revealed.
  • Every major element of the proposal traces to a stated need or delivery requirement.
Your work

What to finish

A one-page value case with problem evidence, recommendation, proof, assumptions, scope, and success measures.

Common mistake

Watch for this

Delivering the same feature tour to every buyer regardless of what discovery revealed.

How can I tell I understand it?

Every major element of the proposal traces to a stated need or delivery requirement.

Try 3 questions

Quick knowledge check

Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson completes automatically.

Not yet passed

You’ll get an explanation for each answer. Signed in? Your results save to your account.

1Which step is part of “Present value and proof”?
2What should you have made by the end of this lesson?
3Which mistake should you watch for in this lesson?
0 of 3 answeredApply the lesson to a short question, then review the explanation.
4
Finish this lesson

Pass the check. We’ll save the progress.

Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.

Go to the knowledge check
Optional course overview video · same video as Lesson 1
Stanford Graduate School of BusinessThe Art of NegotiationYouTube
Optional course overview

The Art of Negotiation

From Stanford Graduate School of Business. Watch here or open it on YouTube .

Watch for an idea you can use in the practice below. You can pause or skip this optional overview.
Tools, templates, and lesson sources

Tools and templates

Tools open in a new tab so you can keep your place here.

Sources and further reading

Explore the references behind this lesson.

Harvard Program on Negotiation — What Is Negotiation?
Source & access notes · checked 2026-09-10

Read the overview of interests, independent standards, alternatives, options, and communication.

Access: Free public article; other programs or certificates may be paid.

Reuse: All rights reserved. Linked as a reference; original Life Starter scenarios are not a Harvard course or endorsement.

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