I’ve never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day.
I mean, it’s not like I have a heart made of ice, encased in stone or anything but I never quite understood what was up with all those red hearts.
Like seriously….all of a sudden the whole town is painted red with displays of chocolates, wine, roses and balloons. I swear, I think I see more teddy bears on February 14th than any other time of the year!!!
To each their own I guess, because while, to some, Valentines is all about giving or getting something from their sweetheart, for me it’s more a day of reflection. Reflection on the people in my life, my business and how I can do better. The older I get the more I realize that love is less of a feeling and more of an action; and that goes for your business too. You’ve got to show the people in your life how you feel about them……and buying them stuff isn’t always going to cut it. I mean what’s the sense in buying someone dinner today when tomorrow (and for the next 365 days) you’re going to ignore them?
Nope!! As CEOs we have a duty to make the word ‘love’ in business a verb. We’re not just telling our clients, customers, suppliers or collaborators we appreciate them, we’re showing them so they can truly feel it. So, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I want to share with you what I believe is the true secret to a happy business life (in order of priority)
Love yourself
It starts here and before you even start talking about how selfish it is to put yourself first let me just tell you if you’re not happy or operating at your fullest, then the very things you think you’re sacrificing your happiness for will fall apart.
“Yeah Carli! But there are so many other people more important than me!”
Shut your mouth!! There isn’t a single soul out there ‘more’ or ‘less’ important. You are worthy of love from others and from yourself. Appreciate yourself hun, flaws and all. Love yourself enough to know what you’re willing to accept, tolerate or give up, and, if you’re like many others, STOP trying to live your life to make others happy or comfortable at your own expense.
Love what you do
Seems like a no brainer but I’m amazed at how many people don’t love what they do. They do it for the money or because their parents wanted them to do it or because it’s the family business or whatever reason they come up with. Listen, if you don’t love what you do, you won’t do it with passion and you’ll end up feeling bored and unfulfilled. What kind of life is that?
Nah, we’re going to focus on the things that bring out the best in us so we can bless the world with our gifts, talents and abilities.
Love your customers
I mean, really love your customers. Know who they are inside out so you’ll know how to interact with them. Stop trying to force feed them whatever freebie or offer you’ve got going on and take the time to understand their needs. Use the five love languages of business as a guide:
– Words of affirmation – Let them know you care everyday through some means either social media, your email list, publicity, etc Be consistent with it so they won’t ever forget how much you care about them
– Acts of service – Give back. Try sponsoring a charitable event or donating your time, products or services to causes that are near and dear to them. You can simply even speak/teach what you know to people who need your help
– Gift Giving: Give them the gift of an easy transformation by offering information that can help them progress. This is where your free content will shine
– Quality time: Spend some time actually listening what they have to say and asking for feedback aka research
– Physical touch: Belly to belly conversations, in person events or adding an element of personal connection even through live events is going to let them know you’re there for them and they’ll love you even more.
So, there you go. Just a little something to help you reflect on as you enjoy your Valentines Day.
Have a great one!
