
Posts tagged Passion for success
WE THE PEOPLE
May 26th
Looking into the heart of what makes a business great.
Ask anyone what kind of business they’re in and you’ll get a lot of answers: sales, finance, retail, medical, government, technology, real estate… it could go on and on. The truth of the matter is; however, that no matter your industry, the answer is all the same.
We are all in the people business.
For example, at my company, Sudsies, we don’t stress that we are dry cleaners or clothing caretakers. Sure, that’s a big part of what we do. But at the end of the day, we answer to our clients. A shirt isn’t going to appreciate a crisp pressing, its wearer does. We can provide the cleanest clothes (which we do), conquer the toughest stains (we do that too!), restore beloved items to their original glory (once again!), and more. None of that means anything though if the client isn’t happy.
What is it exactly that makes a client happy? It’s the experience. A great product is only a tiny part of the equation. What if I could offer you the greatest product on earth, but to get it you’d have to be inconvenienced, hang out in a dingy environment, and put up with a grumpy attitude from the staff? Maybe, just maybe, you’d consider repurchasing once again only because this product was so great, but eventually you’d get tired of the negative experience and probably move on. Besides, there are plenty of great products out there. It’s the overall attention to the people that make a difference.
Think about what your customers want, as well as what they might want but just don’t know it yet. Most want that great product, but wrapped up in convenience and a positive environment. You need to have those too, but the critical factor is the relationship. They want to know that you have their needs and well-being in mind. The easiest way to communicate that is with a smile. People are individuals, which means you may need to adapt your service style. Some want to be chatted up, others may just want to get their product and go… it’s up to you to gauge how you connect. Regardless of the personality, you need to communicate that the door is always open for them to express their expectations and desires and that you are always ready to happily serve.
Most importantly, being in the people business is not just about your external audiences. It has to start from within. How can you expect your own team to serve with enthusiasm if they are not experiencing it themselves? Think about the work experience and how to breed success, while making it enjoyable for them. Success, happiness, and purpose equals the ultimate sustainability equation. It breeds a positivity, a culture that employees simply cannot help passing onto their clientele.
Now try looking at your professional role in a new light. Start with people, and consider how you have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives, with exceptional products and experiences. I bet your career outlook just got a whole lot more interesting.
Love what you do, success takes passion!
Feb 9th
Valentine’s Day is just two weeks away… and so commences the frantic search for the perfect floral arrangement and accompanying dinner reservation. This opportunity to celebrate our significant other (or for some, a reminder of their lack of) is quite polarizing. But whether you embrace the holiday or cringe at its romantic gooeyness, the notion of love has something to teach us all professionally.
Simply put, love compels. It instills in us a passion, a spark. Think about it – when you love someone, suddenly you’re willing to move mountains. Whether similar or complete opposite, somehow as a couple you’re compatible. You simply can’t get enough of that special person. And if the relationship becomes threatened, you fight for it.
Translating this passion into your business is easy – just love what you do. It begins with aligning yourself with a position that matches your talents, hence compatibility. If you are good at what you do, chances are you’ll enjoy it more. Work claims approximately one third of our time (and for some of us, significantly more). Why simply endure these hours?… thrive in them! Furthermore, if you’re passionate about what you do, you’re most apt to meet your goals – and even move a few of those mountains. Setbacks won’t destroy you, but resolve you to come up with creative solutions to combat business challenges. No doubt, hard work and talent is a solid duo for success, but combined with love, both your business and personal development can be taken to new heights.
From this perspective, love really does conquer all. This Valentine’s Day, celebrate who you love, but also the ability to do what you love. I hope that each of you have already found your ideal “work mate.” If not, I encourage you to use the Chamber as your cupid to help match you with the right people and opportunities as you pursue what you really want. Our passion is to help you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a florist to call and a dinner reservation to make.
At your service,
Jason Loeb
Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.