Values Added

As part of an introspective therapy exercise, I recently took stock of the values that motivate me and bring fulfillment and satisfaction.

From a list of 125 needs, objectives, attitudes, I picked a handful of core values that are my main motivation.  They are: creativity; curiosity; discovery; purpose; learning; joy, and humor.

It’s possible to craft and cull a list that suits you.

Shortly thereafter, I discovered a new outlet that involves most, if not all, of the core values.  I am a volunteer business mentor in the local chapter of national non-profit funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA) called SCORE. 

Since completing the training and observing other mentors in late summer, I now have two clients who have parallel interests—reaching new markets—with their IT businesses. Neither is a Mom-and-Pop shop.  Each is established, innovative and successful.

One is a Native American- and woman-owned IT consulting company that is diversifying from Federal contracts with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Education to serve various tribal governments in the Southwest.  The owner is bright, fearless and motivated

The other is an IT /cybersecurity company for high-level military and Federal government projects devoting more attention to businesses in the private sector.  The reason?  Uncertainties in Federal budgets, bids and requests for proposals make a business heavily reliant on them less nimble.

It has given me renewed purpose, focus and enthusiasm and tells me that there are still outlets to apply my strategic marketing “chops.”

I encourage you to devote some thought, time and appraisal with this candid and challenging evaluation as a springboard to new directions and options.

Think of it as a deep dive personal inventory, exploration and opportunity to live fully in ways that matter.