by Monika Beck | Featured Contributor
Don’t just build a business. Build a business reputation around what matters to you. Your business model should mirror your image. It should uphold your values and morals. It should be a reflection of your beliefs. It should project an image to the public, in which you can be proud. How do you do this?
Don’t operate in a vacuum. Your business affects more than just you. Know that there’s a place for morals in your business. Yes, I said it. Morals. Consider the environmental impact you are making on our planet. How big of a carbon footprint are you making over there? Bigfoot?
Consider how your decisions will affect those around you. If you want to build a business, do so respectfully, and it will show.
You’ve got an impressive resume? Kudos, but it takes more than looking good on paper to be proud of yourself. Enron looked good on paper, and you see where that got them. A VW diesel seemed like a good idea for some, until… Don’t just worry about your resume values. Take into account your legacy values. What mark are you leaving locally, nationally or even internationally? What will you be remembered for at the end of the day? What would make you proud? More importantly, what would make your mother proud?
If you can hold your head up high at the end of the day and take full pride in what you are doing, then continue moving forward at full speed. However, if your legacy leaves room for improvement, what’s holding you back? It’s never too late to right your wrongs, or do “more right.” You are not just your resume and you are not just running a business. You are also your legacy and you are part of a community. Leave a positive legacy, my friend.
There are many things to consider when you build a business, and revenue is certainly one of them. However, allowing money to be your only motivator is a novice mistake. Money might make you rich, but selling your soul for a buck is a high price to pay. Temptation is there, but don’t seek out just what’s in it for you. Your business is not just about you. Clearly you are one factor, but you have employees, customers, and other external factors to consider too. Everyone can benefit from your dream. Why not dream big for all involved?
Money can change people. I don’t think most people set out to change, but somehow, money is a sneaky game changer. Don’t forget where you came from and don’t forget what your parents or role models taught you. You didn’t start this business to change who you are. You started this business because you believed in who you are – the “you” you are right now. Keep your bearings. If you need reminding, get a sassy assistant that won’t let you get too big for your britches. “Sassy” will keep you in your place.
Be cognizant that you are but a small part of the community. I suggest that you give back to the community that so readily gives their money to your business. Be an involved entrepreneur, and let others see your involvement. Hopefully you’re not simply doing it for the public eye, but at the end of the day, I guess it doesn’t really matter, as long as you’re doing it.
There are many things to consider when you build a business, and hopefully your legacy is one of them. Otherwise, you’re losing out on a huge part of success.
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Savvy web designer with a twist – Monika Beck with Webene – San Diego, CA.
Monika Beck is passionate about website design, web programming, ecommerce, and building businesses. She is a serial entrepreneur and the cofounder of Success Harbor a website dedicated to help entrepreneurs succeed. Success Harbor interviews successful entrepreneurs and publishes topics relevant to business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Monika started Success Harbor with her cofounder in order to ease the life of entrepreneurs through original research, tips and unique content. Monika is also cofounder of Webene, a website design and online marketing firm based in San Diego, CA. Webene specializes in mobile-friendly responsive websites built on the WordPress platform. Monika loves playing classical music on the piano.
Savvy web designer with a twist – Monika Beck with Webene – San Diego, CA.
Monika BeckMonika Beck is passionate about website design, web programming, ecommerce, and building businesses. She is a serial entrepreneur and the cofounder of Success Harbor a website dedicated to help entrepreneurs succeed. Success Harbor interviews successful entrepreneurs and publishes topics relevant to business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Monika started Success Harbor with her cofounder in order to ease the life of entrepreneurs through original research, tips and unique content. Monika is also a web designer and cofounder of Webene, a website design and online marketing firm based in San Diego, CA. Webene specializes in mobile-friendly responsive websites built on the WordPress platform. Monika loves playing classical music on the piano.
