Values are defined as the worth, importance, or usefulness of something to somebody. So just what are your values and how do they affect how you do business? It is inevitable that who we are as a person would spill into who we are as a business person. Possibly there are differing degrees as to their importance, but how we feel, act and believe is part of who we are regardless of whether we are at work or home.

For myself I will not work with anyone that does not hold the same values as I do as I know that the relationship just will not work out. I am not trying to say that my values are the only values, but they are important to who I am. For example, to me my family is a very important aspect of who I am and as such I have started my own business to allow me the luxuries to work around my family. My children are still young and I value the time that I am able to spend with them. I am still able to run a thriving business as I work around my family’s schedule. When my family is at work and school I am dedicated 100% to my business, but in the same respect spending quality time with my family is also important. I will not infringe on that time. In order to work with me, my client’s must understand and respect those boundaries. Accordingly I do not answer the phones when I am with my family.

Don’t be afraid to sit down and think about what values are most important to you and set boundaries for yourself and your potential clients. Further and more importantly don’t be afraid to decide not to work with someone that doesn’t understand the importance of the boundaries you have set.