We each of us has a way that we go about operating and growing our home-businesses. While entrepreneurs tend to have some basic characteristics in common, we are also quite different. Since each of us has a way of operating or a “style”–it can be helpful to understand how that style and how our personal values can affect the way we make decisions and actually “do” business…
Personal values have a lot to do with how we do business. I know that you may have been led to believe that business and personal stuff never mix, but that isn’t the case at all. For example, if you are a person who values charity and volunteer work, you will be more likely to make donations from your home business, maybe even tithing part of your business income. Additionally, some of us start a home-based business because we value family and want to be available for them, or because we value autonomy and independence.
Now, when it comes to decision-making, you may be wondering how our values come into play. After all, aren’t sound decisions sound decisions regardless? I’m not talking about good and bad decisions, just encouraging us to look at how our values might affect the way we problem-solve in our businesses. For example, since I put a high priority on family, it is not uncommon for me to make business decisions that reflect that–I work family-friendly hours, will put off appointments or meetings if there is a family or child activity that I’ve decided comes first. By knowing these things about myself and understanding how my values affect how do business in my home-business, I can keep to my mission and develop consistency and competency–as well as let my clients know what they can expect from me.
Also: Do You Have Enough Information to Make a Good Decision?
How Will Your Decisions Affect the Future?