With the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be an impactful business owner. In times like these, it can be difficult to know how to navigate what entrepreneurship looks like when it comes to sharing your values.
You may find yourself questioning…
What do I say?
What do I do?
Is my business even the place for these kinds of conversations?
Because it certainly feels like I can’t sit around and do nothing.
And while I do not have all the answers, there are some things I’ve learned to be true as an entrepreneur, and one of them is this:
It is vitally important to identify what your values are, share them with your audience, and stick to them…no matter how hard it may feel.
This isn’t to say you have to have it all figured out right now, or that your opinions can’t change as you grow and learn… but it IS to say that being an impactful entrepreneur means asking the deeper questions, figuring out what your ideals are, and standing for them. And here are three reasons WHY this is so important:
1. As a business owner, you are inherently a LEADER.
Regardless of the size of your audience, you are making an impact in other people’s lives every single day. Your business and brand stands for something (whether you consciously realize it or not). Your brand speaks volumes… and if you want people to recognize it for the things that matter most to you, it’s time to acknowledge your leadership and start sharing your values.
By sharing your values and committing to them, you also empower others to embrace their own unique leadership and to do the same. In this way, you make an even greater impact through the ripple effect… probably more impact than you may ever realize.
2. Sharing your values is a big way to connect with truly aligned clients.
Have you ever found yourself working with people you don’t really align with? People whose message and values don’t resonate with your own? You may even like them as people, but you know your values don't match up.
The truth is, when you’re working with people who aren’t aligned, you will eventually become burnt out by the work you’re doing with them.
One of the most freeing things about being an entrepreneur is that you get to decide who you work with and who you don’t. You don’t have to say “yes” to every potential client that comes your way. And when you share your values and ideals with your audience, working with truly aligned clients becomes so much easier.
When you share your values, it not only attracts your ideal clients to you but it also opens up opportunities for deeper conversations and relationships… and ultimately that’s what this is all about.
3. The only way we can make real, lasting change is by committing to our values for the long-haul.
Times like these can feel so defeating. Roe v. Wade has been the tip of the iceberg in a series of landmark decisions the Supreme Court has recently made. Not to mention the pandemic, climate crisis, economic recession, and all the other things that we’re dealing with day-in and day-out.
To be honest, it can all be really overwhelming. But I also believe that we can make a change. That when we stick to our values no matter what and when we share them with others, we CAN make a difference. The more we work together, stand together, and take action together, the more impact we can make.
It’s a long journey (let’s be honest, it’s likely one that we will spend our entire lifetimes fighting for), but it’s a worthy one.
Roe v. Wade may have been overturned. Gun laws are looking grimmer than ever. And the Supreme Court may be an outdated and gross misrepresentation of us all…. But this is NOT the end of our fight.
We will continue to fight for women’s rights, safer communities, and equality for everyone. And while it’s crazy we’re still having to fight for these things (and so much more) in 2022... I do believe we can make real change in our businesses and communities if we remain committed to the cause, and to one another.
Entrepreneurship is so much more than just working for yourself. It’s about making a difference with your work. It’s about doing something that is PURPOSEFUL. And sharing your values is just the beginning of this.
If you’re looking to connect and have conversations about these things, I’m always open to talk. Send me a DM on Instagram! And if you’re looking for ways you can help and take action, here are some resources. Keep in mind, donating locally is usually better, but this is a great place to start.
xoxo,
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