Aligning Values: The Key to Building a Successful Resume Writing Business
Creating a thriving resume writing business goes beyond just crafting compelling resumes.
It's about building a business that resonates with your values, aligns with your strengths, and fulfill your desires for a balanced work life.
This not only benefits you but also translates directly into exceptional customer service, as clients understand what to expect and how to communicate with you.
In this blog, we'll explore how considering your values can play a pivotal role in shaping your resume writing business.
Define Your Values
Before delving into the intricacies of your business, take time to identify your core values. Your values are the guiding principles that dictate your decisions, actions, and priorities. When your business reflects these values, you're more likely to feel fulfilled and stay motivated.
Consider values like professionalism, quality, integrity, work-life balance, and client satisfaction. Reflect on what truly matters to you in your work life and use these values as a compass for your business.
Create a Business That Aligns
Once you've defined your values, structure your business around them. Here's how:
a) Service Offerings:
Tailor your resume writing services to align with your values. For example, if integrity is a core value, ensure that you always provide accurate and honest information in resumes, and never embellish in creative marketing that doesn’t accurately reflect your client.
b) Work Culture:
If work-life balance is important, set clear work hours and boundaries. Communicate these boundaries to clients, colleagues, friends, and family. You can do this by creating clear calendar blocks in your business, have ‘office hours’ advertised, or a service-level-agreement for returning emails that holds you accountable yet provides space that you need to work at your optimal level.
c) Client Expectations:
Transparency is key. Clearly communicate your work processes, response times, and availability to clients. Make sure they understand what to expect and how to reach you. The ins and outs of this can be effectively done through a client agreement/terms of service that your clients should review and sign prior to starting with you.
Great Customer Service through Value Alignment
When your business mirrors your values, it becomes apparent to your clients, leading to exceptional customer service. Here's how it works:
a) Consistency:
Clients know what to expect because your values guide your actions consistently. This predictability fosters trust and reliability.
b) Effective Communication:
Since your values drive your business practices, clients will easily understand your communication style and expectations. This clarity minimises misunderstandings and enhances the client experience. It is also clear how you will resolve conflicts or client dissatisfaction – so you’re not left flapping around trying to figure out the next step.
c) Client-Centred Approach:
A business built around your values puts the client at the centre. You'll naturally prioritise their needs and satisfaction, resulting in better service. It also improves your confidence because you know EXACTLY what your scope of service is, and what you can negotiate to move outside of this if you want to, yet knowing you don’t have to because your scope has already been set. Brilliant.
Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation
Your values may evolve over time, and so should your business. Regularly evaluate whether your business practices still align with your values. Be open to making necessary adjustments to maintain harmony between your personal and professional life.
Incorporating your values into your resume writing business isn't just a way to achieve personal fulfillment; it's also the key to providing exceptional customer service. Clients appreciate knowing exactly what to expect and how to communicate with you, making for smoother interactions and more satisfied clients. As you build a business rooted in your values, you'll find that success isn't just measured in resumes written but in the positive impact you have on your clients' lives and your own work-life balance.
Looking for more examples and support to build your business with confidence?
Check out Velocity - our professional membership for Resume Writers.
Upon enrolment you get instant access to our extensive archive of masterclases and microsessions - designed to support you in your business and resume writing success.
September 2023 was all about communication with clients - including a couple of incredible sessions with experts.
Managing Expectations - how we can effectively service our clients by creating clear service scopes and processes with Vicki Clothier
Communicating Boundaries - how we can create boundaries through self awareness and intentional action, and strategies on how to hold and evolve with your boundaries with Lee Longmire from Lee Longmire & Co
With our $1 trial, you can check it out for yourself at very low risk - no obligation to stay! ($49 ongoing monthly subscription after your first month).