Running a successful freelance business isn’t just about offering a great service to your clients; it’s about aligning your business with your core values and building a business that works for you. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of being an entrepreneur, but if you don’t take the time to identify your core values, you may find yourself quickly spinning your wheels. Here are some reasons why identifying your core values is crucial as a business owner.
Your Core Values Will Determine How You Spend Your Time
As a freelancer, time management is key, because oftentimes time is money. By knowing your core values and what matters most to you, you will be able to make decisions on how to spend your time and energy more effectively. Do you value time with your family? For so many freelancers, this is why they became a freelancer in the first place! If that holds for you, then you likely do not want to be stuck in the rat race of being a slave to your clients and working wild 60-hour work weeks just to hit your income goals. Do you value privacy and the ability to be behind the scenes? Then you probably shouldn’t build a business that requires you to be present with your face all over social media to gain clients. Do you want to focus on growing your network or finding ways to increase visibility? All of your business decisions should be made based on what matters most to you and what aligns with your core values.
Your Core Values Will Dictate How You Work
Your core values will also determine how you should structure and offer services for them to be meaningful for both yourself and potential clients. Are retainers the best way for you to offer a service? Or would VIP days be better suited for the ideal structure of your life? Or maybe project-based work would allow for more flexibility as well as give more results-oriented outcomes for your clients? Whatever route you choose should be based on what feels most aligned with your core values.
Your Core Values Will Help You Get Paid & Grow Your Business
Once you have identified what aligns with your core values, it’s important that this translates into getting paid and growing your business. Knowing who is best suited for the services that you offer allows for effective targeting which can lead directly into increased sales opportunities. Additionally, understanding who is not right for working with you helps create boundaries between yourself and potential clients so that time isn’t wasted working on projects that don’t further any goals or visions that are important to the success of a business.
All in all, understanding your personal core values is essential when running any type of company or organization – big or small!
When taken seriously, these values can provide clarity on how best approach your business from start-up phase through growth stages. For moms who freelance, taking the time out at the beginning can save untold hours down the road as well as provide greater assurance in decision-making going forward! So take some time now and identify those core values – it could mean all the difference for yourself, your family, and future clients!
