Why Your Company's Value Statement is So Valuable
By Brittni Shoup-Owens
When it comes to writing and style, it seems like everyone has a different opinion.
Put a comma here, not there. Capitalize job titles, don’t capitalize them. Don’t use a hyphen, use an en-dash.
The list goes on and on. Writing is an art that is subjective to many. What one person views as correct can be incorrect to another. Though it is a beautiful phenomenon, writing can be difficult to master.
Whether you’re just starting to implement writing style in your company’s brand and communications efforts or looking to refresh your messaging, you may find yourself battling your inner conscience on “correct” and “incorrect” ways to write.
Often, your feelings and intuition will point us in the right direction, but when that fails, it’s best to have a go-to guide.
Writing Style Guides and Why You Need One
Style guides set writing and editorial standards for businesses, organizations, and industries. They also promote brand consistency and provide a clear tone and voice for your company.
The four commonly used style guides are Associated Press (AP), Modern Language Association (MLA), Chicago style, and American Psychological Association (APA). However, a company may choose to create their own style guide that corresponds to their mission, vision, and brand. Either way, it’s best to choose whichever works for you, your employees, and your business.
But before you get into the nitty-gritty details of whether or not your company will adopt the Oxford comma, or spell out “okay” instead of “OK,” the best place to start is by implementing a Values Statement.
Do You Have a Core Values Statement?
In addition to a style guide, it’s great practice to have a solid stance on your brand’s core values and principles. Not only will this help you distribute great content amongst your platforms, blogs, or websites, but it will emphasize the importance of your values and beliefs as a writer to your employees and clients.
If you hesitate, meditate!
On the less technical side of things, it’s also crucial to take a step back and focus on the mental aspect of your values and beliefs as a business owner. Meditation is a great way to do this, as it will support a clearer head and better focus.
If you’re in an office setting you can also try team-building activities like acknowledging accomplishments, recognizing strengths, identifying team values, or having a goal setting session.
From there, ask yourself or your team members substantial questions that could play a significant role in affecting your company’s values and beliefs.
These questions could include:
“What do we, as a company, believe and why?”
“What type of content do we want to expose ourselves and our audience to?”
“How will we lead by example?”
“What are our boundaries and how will stick to them?”
Just say no
Keep in mind that it’s OK to say no to any projects or requests that don’t align with your values and beliefs. You need to honor your feelings (as well as the feelings of your employees) to keep productivity levels on target and motivation levels high. No one wants to feel forced into working on something they don’t personally or professionally agree with.
Stick to Your Values and You Will Never Fail
The trickiest yet most rewarding part of it all?
Implementing your values and beliefs in everything you do, say, or write. This can be done a few different ways:
Hang value and belief statements around the office – The more your employees see them, the more they’ll incorporate them in everything they do.
Train your team (if applicable) – Your team is the heart and soul of your company; your values and beliefs are the heart and soul of your brand. Make sure every individual on your team knows the values and beliefs like the back of their hand, provide thorough explanations, and what you expect from each one.
Communicate with your clients – Sharing is caring, and when you share your values and beliefs, your clients are going to feel that you truly do care about them – as a person. Post your values and beliefs on your website, social media accounts, and even in an email or two to get the message through.
Align content – Internal and external content play a key role when it comes to communicating values and beliefs. Whether it’s verbal or visual, aligning content will reassure your employees and customers that you’re living and breathing them while also pouring them into your work.
Lead by example – Monkey see, monkey do. When you lead the way by modeling your values and beliefs, others will be quick to follow.
All in all, letting your values and beliefs shine through will set your company’s messaging apart from your competitors. The more genuine you are, the more your customers will relate to you, as well.
Continue to look for inspiration in books, people, cinema, and daily life tasks. Hobbies and passions are also great areas to pull ideas from because they show us what truly matters to our hearts.
Sources:
https://www.launch-marketing.com/style-guide-important-brand-identity/
https://thewritelife.com/writing-style-guide/
https://wearevirtualassistants.com/staying-true-to-your-core-values-brand-and-boundaries/