There is one major difference between lastingly successful businesses and those that fail. It’s not budgeting right, having the best motto, treating your employees better than the other guys, or the coolest product. It’s the why you’re in business.
You’ve seen it – the waiter that’s impatient with the customer and the cleaner that can’t handle a complaint well. Why are they working? – for money. That’s it. Those that give poor customer service and products are most likely in it for money. They’re not seeing their customers as people with lives and stresses, but as walking wallets.
So, how do we clear this attitude – and what is it that truly makes a business work? Love. Cheesy and cliche as it is, it’s true. Now, I don’t mean romantic love – the workplace isn’t the place for that. What I do mean is that unconditional and pure love that cares about people and motivates. This love engenders a passion for the business.
People that are filled with love, or passion, for their job, service, and product attract customers. Who would you rather buy a car from – the guy who looks bored, pushes you to buy the most expensive car, or the one who can describe how the car works, feels, and how it’ll be the best investment for you or your family? I’d rather buy a car from someone who’s truly excited about cars.
The passionate owner teaches management how to love the business, who in turn teaches the employees to love it. It’s a chain that continually needs to be shared.
Two more notes – what to do if you don’t find a passion in your business and what if you try too hard.
What to Do if You Don’t Find a Passion in Your Business
This happens. And for many reasons. Burnout in any aspect of your life can fry your dreams and goals. If you’re intensely burnt out, maybe it’s time to seek help outside of yourself, like counseling.
Another reason is not having clear goals, dreams, and values for your company. If you relate here, take some time to ponder what you really want in life – what you would do if money wasn’t a matter. Ask trusted friends what they see matters the most to you (assuming they want what’s best for you, not trying to put their agendas on you). Create a vision for your company by creating a mission statement.
Last note – what do you do if you’ve tried all of the above and the success just isn’t flowing how you’d like it. There are three likely reasons here. The first two are easy – it takes time with persistence and sometimes the service or product is simply undesirable in your market. The third is harder – it could be you.
But I’m already working my tail off for this company and for Jefe, and I’m just not getting anything back! – you might say something like this. It’s more common than you know. My answer – I don’t think you need a better degree to get the results you want, just change what you are doing with your attitude and how you ask for respect. Attitude and respect, which is love actually, are essential for a successful business.
What kind of attitude burns out a business? The “please buy something attitude.” It is so awkward to go into a store, that’s usually empty, and have the salesclerk stare at you the whole time saying “please let me help you. I’m so bored!” with her eyes. No one wants to feel like a watched ham. It is so calm to go into a store where the clerk is excited to be there, but is actually busy doing something small or simple. This says, “Hey, I love this place. I’m taking care of it. You’re safe here.” The attitude that wins is the “I love this business” attitude.
What kind of respect do businesses need? Don’t be too pushy or needy to make the sale. You don’t need to mark the price down unless the customer asks. You don’t need to make something better unless the customer says something is wrong. Worry about yourself first and things will tend to naturally take care of themselves.
So, wherever you are at in boosting the passion you have for your business, you’re doing great! It’s definitely a journey. I bet it takes at least 3 tries to find a business or plan that you’re truly passionate about. Pretend your working your dream job while you’re building up to your actual dream job – it’ll pay you abundantly in time.
Basically:
If you wanna be successful, be passionate about the product or service you provide! Don’t get distracted trying to serve your employees more than your customers, trying to ‘make’ your customers buy your product, or focusing on too many things that don’t matter the most.
Good luck everyone! Thanks for listening to my opinions on how to have a successful business.
– Cutesie
Cutesie Haven 