Meaning ● Values-Driven Metrics, within the SMB realm, represent a system of measurement that prioritizes ethical considerations, societal impact, and the core values of the business alongside traditional financial or operational performance indicators. These metrics ensure that SMB growth, automation initiatives, and strategic implementations align with the company’s deeply held beliefs and contribute positively to stakeholders and communities. Starting with a clear articulation of company values, SMBs identify the metrics that best reflect progress towards upholding those principles in their daily operations and long-term planning. The implementation of these metrics often involves leveraging automation to efficiently collect and analyze data related to areas like employee satisfaction, environmental impact, or community engagement. Data collection and analysis for values-driven outcomes needs to be consistently measured and reported across departments. Ultimately, these metrics serve as a compass, guiding SMB decision-making to balance profit with purpose, fostering a sustainable and responsible business model, whilst simultaneously providing data insights to enhance business operations. Furthermore, such an approach to defining success is of increasing importance to a range of key stakeholders including customers, investors, and employees.