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What are values? Simply speaking, they represent what is important to you. A value is anything that you are willing to fight for, that without which your life would not be fulfilling or worth living.

For some, having a certain standard of life is a value. It's why immigration exists. Some people have moved because the new place can provide better opportunities for themselves and their families. For others, living in a free society where you are allowed to say and do what you want, is another value. For centuries, faith and the choice of worship has been a crucial value. In more recent times, the desire to choose the life you want has now become an essential value. And that's where the entrepreneur comes in.

Starting a business is a means of putting into place the value of choosing the life you want. Why are you thinking of starting a business in the first place? If it's for freedom, independence, the ability to earn more income, have a more flexible life – these are all values for which you are willing to take a risk, disrupt your comfortable life and believe that you have the potential to make it happen.

Starting a business is no easy matter; you do not enter such an undertaking lightly. So, do you believe in your values strongly enough to set up your business? Values will help you determine:

• What sort of business you start
• Your personal and business priorities
• What projects you choose to do
• How you choose to make a difference
• How you choose to spend your personal and business time
• Who you choose to hire

A look at personal values

Simply speaking, determining your values is a very efficient way to start your business. Start off by asking yourself simply, "What are my values?"

Then, ask yourself what your reason is for creating the business in the first place. What do you want to achieve from your business: financially, emotionally and even, spiritually? What are the goals your business will help you achieve? Will it make you happier? Will it increase your income? Will it add flexibility to your life? Will it increase your standing in your community?

Finding a purpose helps you create a plan for your life. It will guide you in making decisions and lead you to take action based on those decisions. Once you have listed your reasons, you will find that an action plan comes into place quite naturally.

How to deal with different personal values

Your small business must have a reason for existing beyond just making you a living. Once your basic needs are taken care of, you need something to motivate you and inspire you. Money, once your basic needs are taken care of, does not inspire. Thinking of yourself all the time, considering only your needs does not inspire either. You need to go beyond; to look at how you will have an impact on others' lives. Having a business, which means you interact with others regularly, is the perfect vehicle for change. Once you see the impact your business is having on others lives, it will constantly inspire you to do more.

Look beyond the product or service listed on your business card. Ask yourself these questions to find your purpose:

1. What legacy do you want your business to leave?
2. What's the ultimate benefit of your business? Does it enrich people's lives? Does it add to their benefit: health, happiness, wealth, self-esteem?
3. Does it improve your community?
4. Can you stand behind your product or service?
5. Will your business make a difference or just earn a buck?
6. How do you want your business to treat others? This goes from customers to suppliers to employees
7. What influence do you want your business to have on issues in your community?