Discovering Your Core Values

"Discovering Your Core Values: A Guide to Building a Business Aligned with What Matters Most."

In 2022, I realised something important was missing in my efforts to build a strong community of women in business. I had spent a lot of time skimming over what the group was truly about. To address this, I invited a group of GTB Leaders to join me at a leadership retreat, where we explored ways to improve our content and communicate more deeply about the group’s purpose.

Around the same time, I had started a daily practice with my husband, sharing a word of encouragement each morning, words like gratitude, love, and happiness. During the retreat, I shared this practice with the group, and it sparked a lively discussion about expanding this idea. That’s when it hit us: why not bring this practice into the Girls Talk Business Facebook group?

We talked about which words were meaningful to us and aligned with our values. From that conversation, we identified 12 core values to focus on, one for each month.

We encouraged our Facebook members to join the discussion around these values, and it led to deep, meaningful conversations. This exercise was powerful. It did require a bit of effort, but the results were worth it. Even now, I revisit those 12 words to ensure they still align with our values.

Below, I’ve put together a guide to help you identify your core values and explore how they can influence your business.

Your Guide To Help You Identify Your Core Values

Understanding your core values is crucial for building a business that reflects who you are and what you stand for. These values act as your compass, guiding your decisions, shaping your brand, and helping you stay true to yourself, even when challenges arise. This one-pager will help you identify your core values and see how they influence your business.

Reflect on Your Personal Values

Start by thinking about what truly matters to you in life. These are often the things you’re most passionate about or principles you won’t compromise on.

Example Questions:
- What qualities do I admire in others?
- What principles do I live by, even when no one is watching?
- When I’ve felt proud of my actions, what values were guiding me?

Identify Your Top 5 Core Values

From your reflections, choose the five values that are most important to you. These should resonate deeply with who you are and what you believe in.

Examples: Integrity, Creativity, Community, Growth, Authenticity.

Align Your Business with Your Values

Think about how these values can be reflected in your business practices. Consider how they influence your customer interactions, product development, marketing strategies, and company culture.

Example: If "Integrity" is a core value, ensure transparency in all your business dealings. This could mean being honest and upfront in your marketing, providing clear and accurate information to customers, and maintaining high ethical standards in your business operations. You might also implement a policy of fair pricing and honest communication, ensuring that your customers feel they can trust your brand completely.

Use Your Values as a Decision-Making Tool

When faced with a tough decision, revisit your core values. Ask yourself which option aligns best with these values and will help you stay true to your principles.

Example: If you value “Innovation,” you might opt for a bold, creative approach to solving a problem, even if it involves taking risks. This could mean choosing to invest in cutting-edge technology or adopting a new business model that sets you apart from the competition, staying true to your commitment to forward-thinking and progress.

Review and Reflect Regularly

Your values might evolve as you grow, both personally and professionally. Make it a habit to review your core values and ensure they still align with who you are and where your business is headed.

How We Live Our Core Values at Girls Talk Business

At Girls Talk Business, our core values aren’t just words on a page—they’re the heart of everything we do. They guide how we support each other, approach challenges, and celebrate growth within our community.

These values serve as daily reminders to stay focused, positive, and true to ourselves, even when the path feels uncertain. They help us navigate discussions, drive meaningful activities, and provide the foundation for growth both individually and collectively.

We encourage our members to embrace these principles and reflect on how they can align their businesses with what matters most. Each value is an opportunity to dive deeper into what drives us and build a business that feels authentic and purposeful.

Below, you’ll find our 12 core values in action—each shaping the way we do business and empowering every member of our community to thrive:

Fun – Every action we take is guided by one important question: Will this be fun? We believe that joy and enthusiasm fuel creativity and connection, so fun is always at the core of what we do.

Proactive – We take the lead, embrace challenges, and drive progress with intention. Being proactive means we don’t just react to opportunities: we create them.

Sales – Selling isn’t just about transactions; it’s about building trust and showcasing the value we bring. We focus on mastering strategies that help us thrive while staying authentic to our purpose.

Money – Financial intelligence begins with understanding our emotional relationship with money. By aligning our mindset and emotions, we create a healthy flow of resources, enabling both abundance and sustainability.

Influence – We use our voices and platforms to inspire change and create meaningful impact, shaping the world around us with authenticity and intention.

Visibility – Standing out starts with showing up. We prioritise being seen and recognised for our unique value, ensuring our presence reflects the impact we want to make.

Gratitude – Gratitude is our grounding force. We honour the journey, celebrate the small wins, and deeply appreciate the people and experiences that shape our success.

Collaborate – True success is built together. By sharing ideas, skills, and support, we achieve more collectively than we ever could alone.

Vitality – Energy and enthusiasm fuel our actions. We prioritise wellness and balance, so we can show up fully in both life and business.

Niche – Knowing where we fit allows us to shine. We embrace our unique strengths and focus on mastering the space where we create the most impact.

Networking – Building relationships is at the heart of growth. We connect meaningfully, exchange ideas, and foster opportunities that benefit everyone.

Winning – Success is a journey worth celebrating. We recognise and honour our achievements, no matter how big or small, as a reflection of our hard work and perseverance.

Understanding your core values is essential for building a business that truly reflects who you are and what matters most to you. These values guide your decision-making, shape your brand, and keep you grounded, even when challenges arise.

About Ines Curin

I’m Ines Curin, founder of Girls Talk Business, a platform dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs to show up with confidence, clarity, and purpose online. With over 30 years of experience running my own business, I've built three successful ventures, spanning from product-based to service-oriented. I share practical insights and tools to help women align their goals with their unique strengths and values.

On my blog, I write about building confidence, setting intentions, and taking meaningful steps toward personal and professional growth.

My mission is to help you move forward with purpose while creating a life and business you love.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about how I can support you on your journey, feel free to reach out!

You can contact me at info@girlstalklbusiness.com, or connect with me over on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inescurin/