What’s your business made of? Passion? Ambition? Innovation? There’s actually one answer that’s true for everyone.
People.
Your business is made of people you serve -
People who support you along the way -
Heck, you’re people!
Sometimes in the chaos of building a business, paying the bills, creating email blasts, making sales calls, and updating the website we lose sight of this. Human beings become email addresses and phone numbers on a spreadsheet. When you start to feel disconnected to the people who are at the core of your business, make a reservation!
Never underestimate the power of a great meal. While sharing a meal, people tend to be less guarded, more open-minded. But it’s more than just treating someone to a meal. It’s creating an opportunity to speak openly. Maybe the deal will be sealed or maybe not, but a conversation over a meal will always go further -- and possibly in unexpected directions -- than one around a conference table. As people, we connect when we share an experience.
Share your biggest failure. Great things rarely happen without taking a risk. We’re enthralled by people who fail (sometimes spectacularly) but get back up and try again. So, when it’s appropriate, dare to be vulnerable. Instead of pretending you just opened your business and soared to number one in your field, talk about the obstacles you overcame. It’s inspiring and builds trust.
There’s another truth that is universal. People are drawn to people who aspire to do good for others, the community, and the world. Businesses that have a core purpose of helping others are businesses that thrive. They succeed in attracting the best employees and benefit from the inspiration and innovative thinking that is fostered with goodwill and gratitude.
- Give thanks and give back. Good things happen when you are gracious and give back. Enough said, right? So why wait until the holidays to donate, volunteer or offer to help in some way? You can celebrate all year round!
- Thank your customers by offering them a bonus product or service
- Offer your product or services to a local non-profit organization
- Donate a percentage of your sales to a charity in honor of your customers
- Offer to spotlight a local charity in your newsletter
Goodwill is good for business. What have you done in your business to give back and say thanks? Share your stories!
Edited by Melinda Thomas. More information at www.melindathomascreative.com
