When was the last time you reviewed your business values? They’re things we often define when we set out in business but we forget to check that they’re still current. Maybe you’ve chosen values to run your business by but it’s a while since you thought about them. Or perhaps you’ve never taken the time to actively think what you stand for. Either way, it’s time to change that!
Why are clearly defined values so important for your business?
Clear values are very powerful. They will:
- Help to guide and sense check everything you do in your business. They mean you can ask yourself “Is this in line with my values?” and, if you can’t answer yes, you’ll know the new client, project or venture you’re considering probably isn’t right for you.
- Help you get clear on your brand – what it should look like, how you should write and speak about your business and the experience your clients should have when they work with you.
- Help you stand out from your competitors.
- Help you attract those ideal clients you’ll love working with – and naturally weed out the ones that aren’t right for you
- Help you select the right employees, associates and partners.
Make sure your business values fit with your personal values
You’ll want to sense check that there’s a close fit between your own personal values and those of your business. If there’s disconnect, you’ll struggle to be yourself in business, you’ll send out mixed messages and you probably won’t enjoy your work as much as you’d like to.
Defining your values is easier than you think – follow this simple step to get started
Even the smallest business needs these guiding principles, so values are among the first things I work on with my clients. Defining them sounds tricky but it really doesn’t have to be. You can start by simply choosing five words that are important to you personally and that describe your business and how you want it to feel for people to work with you.
And if you’re curious what my values are, they’re fun, friendly, collaborative, inspiring, savvy and passionate. I couldn’t stick to five!
So what does your business stand for? Why not share your five descriptive words below.
Photo credit: Mayur Gala
Hi Lucy, a lovely short and a”thought prompting blog. I haven’t thought about it for ages so thank you! I’m struggling to come up with punchy words:l; I think (or feel) my values are having fun, finding the light, celebrating joy in life (and love), genuine capture of personality and belief that everyone can be themselves in front of me and my camera. Hmmmmm I need to refine these into single words!
Thank you for your lovely comment Mel. I think those are a great start. I actually wouldn’t worry too much about putting them into single words. They work well as they are. Just let them sit with you for a while and review them in a few weeks’ time.
Hi Lucy,
Thanks for posing the question – that was an interesting process (I seem to have so many!!) I do this exercise, probably about once every 3 – 4 years, and did this for my personal/ T’ai Chi business last Autumn, in fact (it was a great time-filler as I was waiting in the car for Eve to finish her panto rehearsals…) However, what your post has done for me is to prompt me to start thinking about these in my events business; I’m going to have these in the forefront of my mind there now as I seek out some new events clients for the Autumn/ Spring season… (handy timing – that’s what I’m working on this week!)
1) LOVE is my first, in which I’m going to include COMPASSION and OPEN-HEARTEDNESS.
2) AUTHENTICITY
3) SIMPLICITY & BALANCE (I feel these are inextricably linked – with one comes the other)
4) WELLNESS/HEALTH… can I include NATURE in the same point, or am I cheating, haha (?)
5) EDUCATION – personal & professional growth
6) I want CREATIVITY in there too
7) and I can’t believe that my list ENDS in “PROFESSIONALISM” – but that’s one I take for granted in myself…
Great prompt, Lucy – now I need to find (events) clients who believe in these too!!
Hi Helen,
Thank you for your comment. I’m so pleased my post has got you thinking about this for your events business. What a great list of values! What I especially like is how you have put professionalism last – not because it’s not important but because it’s more of a hygiene factor (you take it for granted in yourself and probably have it as a must-have attribute in potential clients). People often list things like professionalism first but your list goes to the next level, setting out values that will definitely help you to differentiate yourself and stand out from the crowd.
Good luck in finding sound fab new clients that share your passions!