Personal Standards Commitment

One of the most important things that has helped me maintain my sanity and assisted in my decision making about my business is my Personal Standards Commitment. 

This is basically my "mission" statement between my business, my values and myself. It affects both the business and my personal life. 

It can help me put emotionally charged situations into perspective and give me permission to put my personal life first without guilt. 

If you work for yourself, and especially if you work from home, I highly recommend creating your own Personal Standards Commitment. Need some inspiration? Here's mine:

--- * ---

Personal Standards Commitment

of KMS

in regards to The Studio Trainer

I will trust , respect and value my own judgment, but I will also test my work by inviting the judgment of others.

I will trust, respect and value my own talent, and continually engage in education and skill building – for my clients benefits, and my own.

I will do everything in relation to my brand at 200%. I will not compromise, shortcut, quick fix or take an easy solution to create a problem later.

I will run my business today for the business I plan on having in 10 years.

Every decision I make, I will keep my brand in mind. I will also step back and take the personal out of my business, so that my choices may be clear and unaffected by emotion.

I will consistently offer my work and services for sale without bashfulness, sloth or false pride.

I won't compare myself to those who pose as my competitors, and I won't worry about the state of their business because it doesn't affect mine. I try to remember their target market is not my own.

I will strive to maintain professionalism in posts, status, notes, and messages on Facebook, Twitter, and on my Blog (or any other social media that I use).

I will work as close to a regular business schedule every week, to keep a balance between work and family life. I will not choose my business before my family. 

I will be involved in business no more than 5 hours every weekend. 

I will keep my business and personal life as separate as possible online and through social media. 

I won't partner with a business for the sake of partnering. I will only partner with a business out of mutual respect, value and understanding.

I will believe in myself enough to say no … and to say yes. Without excuses or explanation.

I will try to recognize that not every prospect is a good client. If they question my value, then they won't understand it.

I will explore the work of a variety of photographers at every level, and strive to serve the photography community with an open mind and heart.

I will always speak my mind to better the industry and the business, and share my opinions and thoughts without filter, but with professionalism as my standard.

I will advocate for and respect those less experienced, and speak without fear to those who are influential and strong in reach.

I will embrace rejection, criticism, failure and mistakes and openly admit to them. I recognize that I can use all opportunities to grow.

I will listen earnestly, ask questions, and uphold respect in all that I do.

I will take at least one vacation a year, and not feel guilty about doing so.

I will take off birthdays, holidays and at least one weekend every month, without guilt.

I will be authentic and open about my experiences, life and values – both publicly and privately.

I will recognize my own strengths and weaknesses, and I will delegate to those who have greater experience, knowledge and value than I, when it behooves me to do so – and without shame.

I will always maintain helpfulness, resourcefulness, and selflessness as guiding forces in my business.

I will strive to be approachable, understanding, and trustworthy in all things.