Where Do You Place Your Value?
How you present yourself when you engage in business groups virtually and in person depends on what you truly value. That presence is only the tip of the iceberg, even if the decisions you make on what it will be aren’t entirely conscious. Some people look first at financial gain, and mold their persona in a way they believe will attract high dollar clients, and probably discourage anyone who has yet to achieve the required level of prosperity, and willingness to invest.
This article looks not at the ones who truly and honestly are in it for the money first (and I’ll not disparage someone who is open and honest about their intentions), but at those who seek something more from their business relationships. It’s not that they aren’t interested in making a healthy living, but the dollars are secondary to building a clientele they are not only proud of, but comfortable with. In other words, the vision they carry is one where every client is a dream client.
Invest In Your Beliefs
It may sound rather pie in the sky, but I, for one believe it’s possible. For the most part, I believe it means you want clients who not only share your values, but who are willing and able to pay a fair and reasonable price for your services. There will be times you accept someone who isn’t quite “there” yet, but with whom you share a strong connection. In short, you believe in them with such fervor you’re willing to help them achieve the greatness they aspire to without expecting anything beyond what they can comfortably afford, and of course, getting to share in the joy of their successes.
Will all of the ones you invest in rise to the occasion? Maybe not, but you’ll help them because you believe they deserve the opportunity and assistance to give it their best shot. It’s not a chance those who are in it for the money would take because it doesn’t fit into their business plan. It doesn’t make their worldview wrong. It’s simply different. In my mind, there’s truly a place for us all. In fact, there will always be clients who believe “you get what you pay for” and won’t give the time of day to someone who doesn’t, in their eyes, charge them enough.
All in all, there’s enough work out there for everyone. You first have to decide what you’re offering, who you’re offering it to, and most of all, why they’ll find it valuable and worth investing in. Each factor is important in and of itself, as they determine where you need to establish a presence, even if your plan is to sell once, then move on to the next. You still need to know where that kind of client hangs out, and what appeals to their grab it and go nature.
The Trial and Error of Finding Where You Fit
For those of us who prefer to build relationships with our clients, it’s a longer, slower process, at 
least until you get past the learning curve that shows you what works. By then, you’ll have established yourself in certain communities where your product or service, and your values are accepted and recognized. Like many communities, people will come and go, but those who are a good fit will drift together naturally, and hang around to work with, and for each others’ successes.
I’ve drifted in and out of a number of communities in the learning curve of my own values and offers. Some will hold my attention for awhile, but ultimately drift too far away from what I want and need. Others drift away for a little while, but will, themselves experience a shift in direction which once again piques my interest. My attention in those groups and communities may ebb and flow to some degree, but I hang around believing there’s still value for me to glean, either from what I can learn, or who I might attract or be attracted by.
As I continue to learn and grow, I learn about myself too. I’ve learned I won’t remain where the focus is mostly political, and in that, more argumentative than informative. I’ll also lose interest in a group who’s focus is on religious issues, and in that, somewhat myopic. I tend to value both diversity and open-mindedness. Above all, I run for the door where there’s bashing or hate speech. I have neither the time nor the patience for negativity or divisiveness.
Growth Means Looking At Possibilities
Limits are for Freeways, Not Lives
On the other hand, I love places that offer opportunities to learn and grow, share different viewpoints, and are open to all sorts of possibilities. As far as I’m concerned, limits are for freeways, not lives. There are more than enough people telling others there’s a ceiling to their hopes and dreams. Not only are they promoting false beliefs, but they’re doing a lot of harm. What if Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, or Ruth Bader Ginsberg allowed others to tell them what would and would not succeed?
Many of humanity’s greatest achievements came from someone who neither accepted limitations nor an answer of no, once or many times. They believed in the value of their work, and allowed no one to turn them from their chosen path. Many of our greatest contributors suffered persecution, humiliation, and worse for their unwavering beliefs. If you ask me, the world is extremely fortunate they were willing and able to do so.
They proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that belief in yourself, your values, and your potential contributions are powerful motivators indeed.
About the Author
Sheri Conaway is a Holistic Ghostwriter, and an advocate for cats and mental health. Sheri 
believes in the Laws of Attraction, but only if you are a participant rather than just an observer. Her mission is to Make Vulnerable Beautiful and help entrepreneurs touch the souls of their readers and clients so they can increase their impact and their income.
If you’d like to have her write for you, please visit her Hire Me page for more information. You can also find her on Facebook Sheri Levenstein-Conaway Author. And check out her new group, Putting Your Whole Heart Forward.
Be sure to watch this space for news of the upcoming releases of ” Rebuilding After Suicide” and “Sasha’s Journey”.
