The further I progress in life and in my career the more I value values at work.
For this reason, the first thing I did upon setting up my business - before I outlined my services, my target, my pitch - was to define my values.
To me values are the things which I see as ‘important to the way I Iive and work’ (mindtools.com, 2021). Defining these enabled me to set out with clarity about the fundamental approach I will take with my business. Furthermore, by identifying the values which drive me I have found myself able to describe more clearly the experience and service which clients can expect. These values will be the foundation of my brand, and will help guide my decisions regarding who I work with, how and indeed when.
Upon these values I am building my business to align with my own style and what I want from my working life. Already they are helping me stay on track, as they provide a true north to guide me. They will support me in attracting clients who have a similar approach, and value the way in which I work. From this I believe that together we will generate more positive working relationships and greater impact.
For many the experience of values at work comes during a team away day in which they are crafted, put into a handbook and then forgotten. Or values are shared with new-starters during their on-boarding, but are not necessarily actually woven into the fabric of the life of the business. For me values should form a critical part of a business, a brand and its strategy.
Now more than ever, with a pandemic changing every facet of our lives, I believe that we need to recognise the importance of value-based action and decision making.
I would urge all business founders and leaders to take time to consider their own values in order to define those which will form the basis of their business. Strong values will help shape your culture; help with all manner of leadership decisions such as hiring, management and supplier selection. They will help determine how to shape the brand, and will attract like-minded to your business. One of the things I love about values is that they make clear to others who you are, and support you and your team in building trust.
These are the values which drive my business and my business decisions.
1. Commitment to my clients’ business goals
My clients’ business goals become my goals.
I’m in it with you.
I will get under the skin of your business, be part of your team, learn about your sector. All so that I can deliver. I want my clients and potential clients to know that I care about your results and will do what I can to support your goals.
2. Results and progress
It is vital that my clients see the positive impact of my work on their business and that the objectives we set are being met or that progress is being made as expected.
Whatever my clients want to achieve: be that sales, enquiries, brand awareness or customer engagement it is crucial that to me that I add tangible value.
3. Honesty and integrity
Honesty and integrity are core to who I am and will be core to the service I offer. The relationships I build will always reflect that.
If I don't believe that the services that you think you need will achieve your objectives as you hope, I will work with you to propose an alternative route or even - if it is what I believe you need - an alternative contact.
4. Balancing commercial reality and marketing theory
I am constantly working to strike the best balance for my clients. To deliver a balance between commercial reality and marketing theory; between strategy and action; between data analysis and creativity. Not forgetting that most important balance between investment and return.
5. Passion and enthusiasm
I am passionate about the value and results that marketing can bring to a business, to the consumer and to the bottom line. I want to bring this to life for my clients as I build my business, I will help my clients to see how and where to best use marketing and always bring value and hard work to your business.
6. Relationships and team work
I am a people person. I love working with others. It's very important to me to build strong and respectful working relationships, to be part of something and to have fun along the way.
I believe that the best results come through people working together and sharing their view. Despite being a freelance marketing consultant, clients can be assured that I will support them to achieve as if I am their own in-house marketing colleague.
With Sarah Marshall - Marketing & Strategy you can be assured that I will ALWAYS strive to ensure that as I grow, I uphold these values.
Are you clear about the values which are fundamental to you in your life and business?
