People are like diamonds in a ruff. Once cut and polished, each has value. So once born and that first breath of air is taken, a priceless human has been been born.

Exactly what is a person’s value? Do we perceive it as wealth, referring to the amount of money we are worth? What is in our bank accounts, 401 plan, investments, the property we own?

I feel there is a significant difference between the human character and the value of money. Each of us has something to offer to others that is priceless – and that is experience and knowledge.

This is more valuable than money – people are great assets! Children are the future, and the elderly have established the past. This is where I find the comparison to diamonds. People are precious gems.

But what exactly makes us preciuos?

Education

Education is on the top of my list for being a valuable asset to a person. You can’t limit yourself in learning because the more you know, the more you have to offer.

Every day, things are changing in the world and you have to stay abreast of what is going on. This doesn’t mean that you have to watch every news show – it doesn’t mean that you have to watch any “show” at all. You just have to keep an open mind towards learning more and new things every day. Many well known, successful people of the past and present are self-educated. If you value education, there’s nothing standing in your way.

Communication Skills

Be confident when it comes to speaking. I admire people who actually come across as human encyclopedias. People who are able to charismatically converse on many topics.

Being able to debate in a variety of areas with a group of people, either in business or socially, and have an intellectual discussion on opinions and facts, is great fun and will earn you respect. Having the genuine drive, and knowing how to, create interest in conversations outside of the seriousness of business is a valuable character trait in my eyes.

I find as a woman, it has also been helpful to keep on top of current affairs and sports. Which made me put Cosmo back on the shelf and pick up Maxim at times, or surf the web for male oriented sites. Not for the sex and girls, of course, but for the sports and technology. I am by no means saying this will make a woman understand the wiring demographic of the human male, but you will be able to converse better with him.

Respect

Respect is something I feel no matter who, no matter what situation, you have to respect other people and their beliefs. Just because they feel differently than you do, it doesn’t mean they are any less important to the world – or even to you.

In business, having confidence in your team is a necessity. You have to be able to step back and allow your employees to offer up suggestions, which will keep them involved and help you relax and focus better. You have employed them to do a job, so as part of the company, respect both their intellect and your judgment when hiring them. Good PR should be used inside the company as well as outside.

When employees are entrusted with duties and knowledge, they feel more dedicated and passionate about the quality of their work. You develop a mutual trust relationship, which you as an owner have initiated – ideally based on a gut feeling for this person, at the first interview before hiring them.

I feel it is important that you delegate work appropriately, but I also feel it is important that you yourself may have to train each employee in the beginning. This takes time and patience, but is necessary. As your business grows, you can have someone else train the new guy for you.

Time

Time is precious and valuable for us all. It doesn’t matter whether you have a 9-to-5 job or own a business. If you have a passion for your work and receive self-gratification from it, you can spend as many hours you want shoveling away at it.

It is often hard to put a certain project to bed until the weekend is over, and knowing that relaxation over the weekend is necessary to be more productive takes self-discipline. If you are the boss, then remember, you have hired employees to do the work so you can invest your time more wisely in growing the business.

You also have to take the time for family and special friends. I find I am more of a homebody these days, but I do enjoy having dinner parties. I feel mixing friends, family and a couple of clients to be a fantastic way of bringing people together. Along with a hearty variety of topics to be added to the dinner conversation.

For instance, BBQ and wine tasting parties are a great way to socialize with clients and employees. Introducing them to close friends and family only makes them feel more comfortable.

Sincerity and Honesty

For most of us, this is a one-way street. In business, you have to treat your employees fairly, as well as your clients, if you want to keep them. You have to be straight forward and keep your promises, for this is what your business is based upon. Remember, before making any commitments, to clearly look at the big picture, and have a backup plan.

So lay the cards out on the table when making goals for the year – don’t make them too easily attainable. Set your goals with reason. People like a challenge and making the goal, and if you don’t reach it, then you work harder.

Reputation

There is a significance to upholding a reputable position in the community. Being a responsible adult and business person, you have a duty to yourself to stay within the limits of how you want others to perceive you. This means what you do today can always come back to kick you in the ass tomorrow.

This is extremely important in both areas of your life. Career and personal standards influence who you are. I feel they go hand and hand.

I also feel the best advertisement is verbal. Word of mouth is so much more heard then any other advertising you can do.

So again, I have to stress: when you place yourself in high regard, so will others.

What makes you valuable to others?

I am not saying be arrogant, but humbly appreciate your success and know it came into view from you being passionate about life, family, people, and your career.

Share your experience with others, and be a good listener. Offer others something more valuable than money – that once spent, is forgotten. Give them your time, your encouragement and your knowledge.

It will all come back to you one day. It’s an investment in your future. What do you want to invest in that?