Coaching Tip #988 "Jump In"

Optimistic, courageous, empowered, committed, caring and grateful are all characteristics we ascribe to people we respect and admire. Let these and other characteristics that you find strengthening, guide you through each day to the happiness and success you desire. Life in all its complexity and simplicity, with all of its challenges and sweet easy moments never stops flowing. Jump in the current, let your best shine and enjoy the ride. Happy Thanksgiving!

Business Times Colomn #67

Are You In The Business Of Producing Happiness?

Article date: Nov 20 2013

Marcus Straub

It’s a common perception in business: Success is the result of selling as many products and services as possible at the highest price possible to make as much money as possible. In actuality, this is a very limiting view of success that, if followed, leaves everyone involved feeling used; taken advantage of; vastly undervalued; and, most importantly, unhappy.

I suggest a truly successful business strives to create as much happiness as possible for customers, team members, business owners and the community while turning a profit in the process.

All of this begins with the life-blood of any successful business, its customers. If they aren’t happy with the products and services provided to them in exchange for their hard-earned money, they won’t return and are unlikely to speak highly of your company.

As you consider each customer, it’s important to see them as a human being who has chosen to do business with you and not merely as a dollar sign that will add to your bottom line. When customers are valued and treated with the respect and caring they deserve, they’ll become  raving fans of you, your team and your business over time.

This same principle applies to your team members. Without them, your company wouldn’t function. Without their dedication, it would be impossible to conduct high quality business. Their agreements to spend large portions of their lives to earn a living and help you in business shouldn’t be taken for granted. Like you, your team members have dreams of happiness and success. Their families depend on them just as yours depend on you.

Team members aren’t cogs in the wheel of business, they’re human beings. When you value and treat them with dignity, they’ll give their best to you and your customers. Your team members serve as a conduit between your business and your customers. The more you care for your team members, the more they’ll care for you.

You wouldn’t want your customers or team members to take you for granted or limit your dreams. Consequently, it’s vital you lead with integrity and by example toward the outcomes you want to achieve.

When you operate from the mindset that others want to be happy and successful just as you do, you’ll see and treat people differently. Through this larger perspective, customers and team members cease to be objects necessary to achieve your financial dreams. They become critical links in a chain that creates happiness and success throughout the process of doing business.

It’s absolutely true you can’t please everyone. Some customers and team members will never be satisfied with your exceptional efforts. In the pursuit of greater happiness and success, you’ll need to let certain customers and team members go.

But without fail, companies that choose to operate with a “win-win-win” perspective in which happy customers, team members and owners succeed are the most rewarding companies to do business with, work for and run.

In my extensive work with a wide variety of companies, I’ve repeatedly witnessed the dramatic differences between businesses that truly care about their customers and team members and those that don’t. It’s wise to work with a qualified professional who can coach you on becoming a great business leader who strives to create as much happiness and success as possible for everyone involved.

There’s more to business success than money, prestige and power. When business is conducted in ways that honor and support everyone involved, the business is positioned to serve the purpose of creating greater happiness and success in the world as a whole. Its purpose becomes a more encompassing endeavor, one not solely focused on providing wealth to owners and investors.

The bottom line is that your customers, your team members and you are all in business together. When you operate from this balanced perspective — one that includes the best interests of everyone involved, and not just yours — the success of your business and the happiness you create will exceed anything you ever imagined.

Related Articles:

1. Are you building a powerful business team?

About Marcus Straub

Website: http://www.lifeisgreatcoaching.com

 

Marcus Straub owns Life is Great! Inc. in Grand Junction. His personalized coaching and consulting services help individuals, business owners, executives and companies build teams, organizations and lives that are filled with happiness and success. He is the winner of the 2011 International Coach of the Year Award, and is also the author of “Is It Fun Being You?.” He is available for free consultations regarding coaching, speaking and trainings.

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Read More Articles by Marcus Straub

Coaching Tip #987 "Commitment"

Just for today, make a commitment to yourself that everyone you speak to, work with or engage will leave the experience feeling better than they did before crossing paths with you. As you stick to your commitment and move through the day, notice how well this approach works and how good you feel. At day’s end, reflect on the people whose lives you touched - on the smiles and laughter, the kind and empowering words that were shared and how excellent your day was. Soak all of this up and if you liked it, do it again tomorrow.

Coaching Tip #986 "Be Good To Each Other"

Some days are easier than others and all tough or challenging days are made better with a positive attitude, and the help of others. “Going it alone”, is a common self-sabotaging behavior that frequently increases the intensity and duration of one's suffering and unhappiness. Self-reliance is a strong and admirable quality, and the wise person also knows when to ask for assistance. As you move through this day, know that people around you are silently dealing with challenges of all sorts, just as you might be. Lend an ear, a hand or anything you can to help others generate the strength and optimism needed to face their reality, and let others know if you need some help. Be good to each other. Life is better that way.

Coaching Tip #985 "The Little Things"

A wedding is one grand day, but it is the daily little things that will make or break the bond. Opening the doors of your business for the first time is a big day indeed, but it is how you treat your team, vendors and customers over time that will likely determine your success. Special events and occasions provide you with temporary pleasure, but it is your prevailing attitude and the way you deal with life which truly determines how happy you are. The grand moments in life are wonderful, but it is the constant flow of little things and their quality that makes the greatest difference.

Coaching Tip #984 "Fun"

There are a multitude of ways to add more fun and enjoyment into your daily life. The secret is to seek out opportunities to fill your life with more enjoyment and happiness, rather than, waiting for these things to find you. Go to lunch with a friend, read a good book, listen to your favorite music, go for a run or bike ride, spend some quality time with your special someone, to name only a few options. Make this day in your life above average, by adding in at least one extra dose of fun.