How to be a value-driven business
What we dive into in this episode:
In the cutthroat business world, it’s easy to lose sight of your own personal values, not to mention your business’s values. We’ll outline how to solidify a core and brand value that actually works for you and your business. But remember, real value isn’t found in your business, employees, or customers. Leadership values are found in you, because you’re the boss!
- Why do we care?
- Becoming a company with values
- Defining brand values
- Finding brand values
- Defining core values
- Finding core values
- Differentiating brand and core values
- Real world examples
- FAQ’s
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Ok Revivers so, why should we care about finding our brand’s values?
Business values and culture go hand-in-hand. Once you define your values, the culture and atmosphere of your business will follow suit.
Don’t like your employees’ attitudes? Maybe they’re not understanding your expectations. Don’t enjoy the clientele your business is attracting? Perhaps your values need to be redefined to attract a different type of client.
Clear-cut values narrow your focus to be able to see what is truly important to you and your business. When values are clearly defined, it lets you, your employees, and your customers know where you stand on the important issues.
Defining your values creates a unified team within your company for your employees (both current and potential) to support.
Identifying company values generates trust and maintains authenticity for your customers. Once they see you put your money where your mouth is, your customers will stand behind you every step of the way.
People aren’t looking for perfect businesses, they’re looking for authentic ones.
Ok, ok we get it – it’s important! So how do we become a company that supports culture and values?
First things first, it all comes down to you. You are going to be the make or break person in your company.
Following your own leadership core values is the most important rule here.
You must line up with your own values before any of your employees will. So first, you need to make sure your values are something you can agree to. When you can’t follow your own company’s values it breeds inauthenticity in your company and is seen as what Scott Galloway calls “yogababble,” making your company look inconsistent and scammy.
What is brand value?
Brand values help consumers quickly identify what your brand is all about, so they can decide whether they can align with your business or not.
When brand value works, it makes an immediate, emotional connection with your target customer and lays the foundation for forever brand loyalty — so long as you keep fulfilling that promise.
How do we find our brand value?
- Look at people who inspire you: what common values keep popping up?
- Look at your lowest moments and greatest failures—what happened? Were your values violated/negotiated? What were they?
- Make sure what you do on the outside is matching up with what your heart is saying on the inside.
Ok, Haley and Noel, so what are core values?
Core values are the inner workings and beliefs inside your business. They help to shepherd employees and influence your company’s vibe.
Once your business has well-defined core values, it’s easy for your employees to live by them. Clear core values build clear expectations for you and your employees, building a better, stronger business for you.
To find your core values ask yourself these questions
- List the top five qualities you want for your business
- Which qualities make you feel the most successful?
- What are the rules you follow when no one is looking?
- What makes you feel the most fulfilled in business?
Then, make sure to check them by asking yourself these questions
Are your core brand values actionable?
Make it punchy and action-packed! You want your employees to feel excited about working with your brand, so lead with exciting words!
Do they stand out?
Every brand is as unique as its boss. Make sure your business is adding value to what’s already out there. Be the true gem in a world full of costume jewelry.
Are they attainable?
Don’t be a hypocrite. If you can’t live up to them, neither can your employees. Make sure you set values that you and your employees can reach.
Keep it short and sweet.
No one likes to be micromanaged. Make sure you’re keeping values short, sweet, and to the point. If we can’t skim it, it’s too long.
Core vs Brand Values
Brand values are from the outside looking in. They’re your business’s personality and what your customer sees.
Core values are from the inside looking out. It’s how your employees see your business – your business’s true persona.
Brand Values Examples
Amazon’s Top Brand Value: Customer Obsession
Amazon LOVES their customers. They want to make sure they have the best customer service possible. That means they’re going to do everything they can to keep their customers feeling happy and cared for. They’re known for fast shipping, easy returns, and quick customer service. What’s the reason we all know this? They’ve outlined their values clearly, and then they keep their word.
Slade Copy House’s Brand Values: Humor, Devotion, Perseverance
When you walk through our doors, we’re friends. We have fun and cut up, you’ll get business too, but we’re going to make you feel comfortable. At Slade Copy House, we’re also devoted to our work, family, and Christ. We devote ourselves fully to everything we do. We persevere through the rough stuff.
FAQs – For My Girlies Who Skim
What’s the difference between core and brand values?
Brand values are from the outside looking in, core values are from the inside looking out. Brand values are what your customer sees. Core values are what your employees know.
How do I become a value-driven business?
Find the most important values to you, your company, and your promises to your customers. Once you find the core values of leadership that you can stick to – make that commitment to your customers, your employees, and yourself.
How do I outline my values in a way that my employees will follow?
Make sure the values you have set in place are coming from your heart. If you can’t follow your own values, your employees won’t either. The best way to lead is to be an easy person to follow.
