When it comes to website design – knowing your core values first is such an important factor, not just for your website design but for skyrocketing your business as a whole.
But initially it is useful to explore what we mean by core values first.
Examples of core values within a business
What are Core Values
Core values are essentially the fundamental beliefs of a person, a business or an organisation. These core values are the guiding principles that direct behaviour and action. A clear set of core values help people to know what is right from wrong and can help businesses determine if they are on the right path and fulfilling their business goals – and as such they create an unwavering and unchanging guide.
There are many different types of core values and many different examples of core values depending upon the context. So before we apply this to website design lets review some of these.
Core Values About Life
An example of core values – applying personal values to a business.
Often, when you hear someone discuss why they fell in love with a spouse, they will mention that they have the same values. In this case, they are often talking about core values, or internal beliefs that direct how life is to be lived.
Some examples of core values people might have about life include:
A belief, or lack thereof, in God and / or an affiliation with a religious institution
A belief in being a good steward of resources and in exercising frugality
A belief that family is of fundamental importance
A belief that honesty is always the best policy and that trust has to be earned
A belief in maintaining a healthy work / life balance
Parents also try to in still these types of positive core values in children.
Of course, core values don’t always have to be positive. Some people may be driven by self-interest or greed, and these are core values too if they direct the way the people live their lives.
Business Core Values
Businesses can have core values as well. These are the guiding principles that help to define how the business behaves and works within the marketplace. They are usually expressed in a business mission statement.
Some examples of core values for a business might include:
A commitment to sustainability and to acting in an environmentally friendly way. Companies like Patagonia and Ben & Jerrys have environmental sustainability as a core value.
A commitment to innovation and excellence. Apple Computer is perhaps best known for having a commitment to innovation as a core value. This is embodied by their “Think Different” motto.
A commitment to doing good for the whole. Google, for example, believes in making a great search engine and building a great company without being evil.
As you can see, many of the core values that businesses and companies have are similar to those that individuals might choose as guiding principles as well.
Companies may also have negative core values as well. Companies that are solely motivated by profit, such as tobacco companies who lied to their customers about the dangers of smoking, may have been driven by core values of self-interest and an overly strong profit motive.
Some Types of Core Values
There are countless types of core values, as you can see, so you will need to choose the ones that are right for you or your business.
Here are some examples of core values from which you may wish to choose:
- Dependable… Open-minded… Consistent… Motivated…
- Reliable… Consistent… Honest… Adventurous… Athletic…
- Loyal… Efficient… Efficient… Humorous… Positive… Fit…
- Committed… Innovative… Creative… Fun-loving…
- Optimistic… Inspiring… Passionate… Respectful… Educated…
- Respected… Loving… Nurturing… Courageous…
Identifying Core Values
While some people or businesses might expressly publish their core values, often the best way to identify these values at play is to watch how they act and behave as a whole.
A core value is only a true core value if it has an active influence and if the people or business manage to live by it, at least most of the time.
Core values in website design – Wolverhampton, UK and Worldwide
Clarity is Power
They say clarity is power, so if you or your business does not have a set of core values written down then its about time you spent a little time reflecting on what you and your business stand for and write them down.
Listen to Steve Jobs in his video about on core values in business.
Review our article on Branding Strategy – and you will see how integral getting clear on your core values will be not just about how you deal with customers and clients but it forms a foundation that differentiates you and your business from everyone else there in your industry.
When you implement these into your branding, website design, marketing, video commercials and mobile apps you will carve yourself your own corner of the market place where there really is no competition for what you have to offer.
As part of our website design and redesign processes we help you become crystal clear on your core values so that we can help you take your business to a whole new level.
True hybrid technologies and strategies when combined can and will help you Skyrocket Your Business.
There is a key structure and strategy behind a results getting and efficient website design, whether you are in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Bromsgrove or anywhere else in the UK, or even worldwide.
There are universal principals that work every time. (Well only if you use them that is!)
