Ever wanted to know what makes HDco tick? Get the inside scoop on how we stay on top of our game, making us better employers, employees, and client partners.

Our core values illuminate every decision we make, from hiring employees to partnering with clients to hosting our office book club. Let’s talk about those core values, and why it’s essential you have core values for your business.

Joy

We’re happy to be here, and we’re energetic and positive about any challenges that come our way. We take pride in our work because we are happiest when hard work pays off with something amazing. Joy isn’t just something you have around the holidays—for us, it’s an everyday state of mind.

Candor

We are honest in all things. We face conflict head-on, especially if it’s with a coworker. We tell you what we think, but we’re never rude or disrespectful. And when it comes to our clients, we’re honest about our process and what they’re getting. We know that growth can only come from pointing out weaknesses, so when we’re candid, it’s because we truly want to encourage improvement.

Collaboration

Our best work comes from collaboration. Our small but mighty team works seamlessly together, no matter the department, to produce top-notch strategy and creative for our clients. Even if our ideas end up on the cutting room floor, we’re not upset because we trust our coworkers’ input and ideas. We strongly believe that teamwork makes the dream work and we value the opinion of others.

Now you know about our core values, let us tell you why your business needs core values, too.

Core values automatically signal who you are and what you stand for to anyone who crosses paths with your business. Not only can you attract employees who actually enjoy and want to be at work, you can attract customers who are much more likely to be all-in on your offerings. Employees and customers alike want to invest in companies that share their values, and when they find the perfect match, they’ll be loyal to you.

According to this article in The Huffington Post, your company’s unique selling proposition (USP) is your values. They help differentiate you from your competitors and help your customers know, like, and trust you better. Not only that, but studies have shown that your customers are more likely to have a longer relationship with your brand when you have values you stand for.

Core values are your business’s guiding light. They help you make decisions that reflect your brand’s needs and wants, they help you retain great people, and they can help you curate the company culture you want to have. By clarifying and making explicit your core values, you become a brand that takes a stand.

Ready to get clarity?

Hoot Design Co. is a marketing, branding, and design agency located in Columbia, MO. We specialize in creating a custom and comprehensive marketing strategy centered around your business's unique strengths and educating you with the tools you need from day one. From logo design to brand identity, website design and execution, and social media marketing strategies in-person and through online courses, we're focused on your business success every step of the way.