Sometimes you offer the same thing someone else does. That isn’t necessarily bad. If you try to go about it the same way they might, then that can be bad. Today, I want to talk about your values. Specifically, when your value is bigger than the product. 

Sometimes you can be offering what is considered a commodity product. Things like coffee, a toothbrush, shirts, and anything else of that nature. There is an abundance of them in the marketplace. Other times, you might not have a commodity product, but other people do the same thing as you. What makes you different is they might not believe or value what you do. 

The reason why values and beliefs are so important is that people have a desire to associate with someone or something they can trust. You can see the effect happening with some of the largest players today. Nike stood behind Collin Capernick for what he was fighting for. Sure, they got some hate, but they also got a lot of love from people who believed the same way. Now, they have built trust with those they align with. Trust is hard to gain and easy to lose. 

When you are vocal about your values, you attract people who also value the same thing. It says that we are all in this together. 

Anyone can stand for something meaningful. The difference is in the values and going even further by actively living out those values. 

A local business advocate DW Ferrell, CEO, and co-founder of Localism!, said “How will you align profit and purpose? How will your model support your mission?” 

Define your own terms and show them publicly with your community. Some will praise you and some will go elsewhere. This keeps you accountable to your values. 

I challenge you to write down your values and beliefs. What are you in business for? What do you believe in? Be transparent to your community. 

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