Unless you work in a political office or run a social justice campaign, chances are you do not need to stand on a box and tell the world each and every one of your opinions about the world. However, it’s becoming increasingly important for companies to share what their values are and how they stick to these values. 

Which values do you share?

This is where your judgment comes in. Some corporations may feel it’s their responsibility to state bold opinions and stand up for campaigns or movements they believe in. There is nothing wrong with this, but it’s not always necessary. Instead, decide what core values your organization stands for. For example, Starbucks has a core value of creating a culture of warmth and belonging for everyone. Your core values should be personal to your organization’s goals and purpose. 

Compile a list of what core values you want to be known for. If a certain movement or event that your organization feels passionately about occurs, you can choose to state if you stand for or against it in a public statement. More companies have been choosing to do this recently, but it’s up to each individual if they feel comfortable doing this, as it can be risky if your audience has polarizing views. Here are some examples of companies making bold statements on social issues. 

How do you share what you stand for?

Many companies choose to have a link on their website stating what their core values are. You can see Burkhart Marketing’s core values as an example of what this could look like. Another way to share your values is by posting about them. If your organization is doing something that showcases a certain ideal, you can call this out in a social post or blog. 

It’s critical that if your company chooses to claim something as a core value that there is action behind it. Going against what you say you will do can cause both your clients and your employees to lose trust in your brand. 

If you aren’t sure if your brand is upholding your values, check your reputation. Ask previous and current clients to review your work and ensure your brand showcases all that you say it stands for. If you need help checking in on your reputation, check out a previous blog we wrote about this. 

Deciding which values to showcase can be tricky. If you need help fine-tuning your brand’s value messaging contact us, we’d love to help.