When an individual is clear about what really matters to them it makes marketing a business much easier. This information can answer a really simple question which brings many benefits. It helps with branding, with defining the clients to work with and in a small business makes it a comfortable fit for the founder.
This blog post looks at these aspects in turn.
Knowing your values
Values can seem optional extras but set the tone of your brand. Like clouds which are which can’t be touched but are beautiful and can pack a really powerfi; punch. There are very few completely unique businesses in the world. However there is only one you in your business with your way of going about things and your enthusiasm and dislikes.
Certain types of business tend to be typecast. Accountants may be viewed as being introverts, coaches good in conversation, artists disorganised to name three stereotypes. The qualities of the job reward certain tendencies, and attract certain types of people. If you go against the stereotype you will be easier to remember because you will stand out in the crowd.
If you have firm views on conservation and climate change it will be people with similar views who will be drawn to you. So rather than hiding your light or your interests away it is better to own them and show them. It is better for you and for the audience you would naturally attract.
This can include hobbies as well as activities relevant to the business. You might love cooking, hill-walking, visiting art galleries being a parent but what is it about those activities that really appeals?
Most people do not go round talking about their values but once you have thought about yours you will discover what it is that matters to you about your life and business.
How to discover your values
The first way is to notice what causes you to feel discomfort. It can be easier to know what you don’t like. I remember being asked to work on a project related to Japan. I went to the meeting and there was much more conversation about the technicalities of the project rather than what it was doing. In the end I had to ask the question a number of times and then discovered it was for a website I did not agree with at all. My moral position was different from the associate who I had worked with successfully before – he was happy to be involved, I was not. My values of honesty and respect would not have been met had I worked on it.
Another way is to notice what you do enjoy. What situations, people, places, events and activities. It may not be the activity itself but the collaboration or humour or creativity or problem solving in the activity that appeals to you. Do a bit of detective work with a situation that was pleasing and find a word that defines it.
Choose from a list
Here is a short list of values that might appeal. But there are many more and different qualities that might be more relevant in different situations.
Beauty, Adventure, Belonging, Care, Compassion, Communication, Growth, Boldness, Brilliance, Challenge, Respect, Recognition, Spirituality, Kindness, Cleverness, Creativity, Inspiration, Discovery, Integrity, Order, Precision, Playfulness, Intuition, Honesty, Justice, Poise, Peace, Reflection, Relationships, Resilience, Structure, Success, Variety.
This list is taken from the ebook “Distinctive Voice- the fearless guide to a blog worth noticing” which I co-wrote with Ute Wieczorek-King. When I first discovered about values I remember the list was so extensive that it was rather exhausting even making a decision, so we cut it down to make decision-making less onerous. You can of course add your own words that have resonance for you.
The best idea is to choose five from the list and then whittle it down to three. This might take a while. Rather than feeling it is a “forever” choice make a “for now” choice.
Benefits of knowing your values.
Being more conscious of the values can benefit you in a number of ways.
Easier decision making
You have many different opportunities. None of them will be clearly bad or good but could be a distraction. When you are clear on your values it becomes easier to say No to ones that don’t fit well.
More consistency
With your values in mind it is easier to turn up consistently which in turn brings greater confidence.
Higher integrity
You may hold yourself to a higher standard when you know what is really important to you. This can lead to personal growth and the sense of the bigger principles that guide you. The potential for burnout and imposter syndrome is reduced.
More motivation
Life may get simpler and you find yourself taking steps more easily that might have made you hesitate in the past.
Stronger branding
You can apply your values to every aspect of your branding. From the look and feel of your business, the stories you tell and how you stand out in the crowd.
It is worth spending time to decide on your values. The qualities you unearth can bring you benefits which you may not have imagined.
Image by Wolfgang Claussen from Pixabay
Image by giografiche from Pixabay