Running a Value-Driven Business

Running a value- driven business means understanding the five dimensions of a company. It's become popular throughout the 20th century to believe that the most important factor of running a business is to make money. This is not true. It is true that a business needs to generate income, but without the development of the 5 dimensions of a company, you can almost guarantee that you will either make a lot of money and lose it, or you will not make any at all.

The five dimensions of any company, no matter how great or small, in order, are: employees, suppliers, customers, community and environment.

1. Employees are first on the totem pole. They are the back bone of the company. They bring the company to light and life with their gifts, talents, ideas and dedication. They are what makes your company run and what helps it grow. They should be rewarded for being a part of your company, and made to feel part of the company; not to feel like the "hired help".
2. Suppliers come next. Without any supplies and products, what would you provide to your customers and clients? Treating your suppliers with respect and creating a good relationship with them will not only show character, but will bring you benefits. Your suppliers will be more willing to help you with ideas, and more prompt to negotiate deals and savings with you. This will generate repeat business for them, and you both will come out winners.
3. Customers are next on the list. Without the customers, you would have great employees, great products, but no sales. Without sales, you will not be able to generate income. What's more important about customers, is not sales. Building relationships and helping people solve problems is.Customers need to be treated like people who need our assistance. They need to feel they can come to us when they want and need to solve a problem. That's what businesses provide customers: solutions. If you are money-oriented, then you will not be interested in helping others solve their problems. This is where value must kick in. Once you do this, then your sales will increase, and so will your income.
4. Community-The area in which live, and even beyond, makes up our community. We are all a group of people who depend on one another. Your company is a part of a bigger picture. Value-driven businesses give back to the community, through time, resources and service.
5. Environment-Businesses need to use the environment each day. Did you use water to make your morning coffee? Do you use fuel in your vehicle to drive to the office? Do you need air to breathe? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are using the environment. A value-driven business preserves natural resources and shares in the responsibility in caring for the environment.

Well, there you have it. Business should not be about "being busy making money". It should be about adding value: value to everyone who is involved in your company: employees, suppliers, customers, the community and the environment.

Thank you for reading this article. I really hope I was able to help you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to add them below.

Sarah Kim,

Days in the Life of  A Mompreneur Blog Manager

Resources: Values-Driven Business: How to Change the World, Make Money, and Have Fun (Social Venture Network)