Posts tagged Philosophy and business
Come On, Get Happy!
Jun 21st
I get asked a lot about how I always seem so happy. The answer is simple: I love what I do and who I do it with.
OK, the dry cleaning and rug & drapery cleaning business admittedly isn’t the most glamorous… But my team is. No matter the industry, a business is ultimately about the people. As a team, we make each other happy… what’s more glamorous than that?
When I first started Sudsies and Rugsies, I spent a lot of time finding others who share my vision and caring passion. Having a commonality in our emphasis on integrity and character makes it authentic and easy to work with one another. Together, we’ve created a culture, a real community, where we thrive on helping each other and our clients. Even when one of us is having an off day, the smiles and support from the other members transfer back that positivity.
Want to know what else keeps me happy? Giving people a purpose, myself included. It’s not enough to just be surrounded by great people; the group should serve greatness too. I enjoy helping others, not only by providing them a position within the company, but also by ensuring that they receive every opportunity to learn, grow, and be empowered to find their highest role. It could be sending them to continuing educations seminars, providing leadership guidance, or granting them the freedom to get creative when assuring that the client has that above-and-beyond experience that bonds them to both the person and the brand.
So there you have it, my secret to happiness. Yes, it first has to come from within, although helping others also find a piece of contentment is what sustains an overall deep satisfaction for all… The best way to jumpstart your own journey to happiness is simple. Smile!
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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.
Live, Love, and Laugh
Mar 7th
Recently, I lost a good friend of mine. Sean Peart was just 44 years old and 
leaves behind a loving wife and wonderful family. As I reflect on the good times and many laughs we shared since our high school days, I realize that he has also taught me so much. He had the courage to fight and to live the life. While his future prognosis was scary, he focused on what he could better accomplish today, nurturing his relationships and taking nothing for granted. His attitude made him an inspiration to his friends, family and even those who didn’t know him well.
Imagine if we translated this philosophy to our business. Business is scary, with time, money and a lot of harsh realities involved. Growing our companies seems like a daunting task, but it is the courage to take risks that rewards with big payoffs. Otherwise, we’ll continue on paralyzed – and we may do OK, but never to the level of greatness we really desire.
We can muster this needed courage by developing a plan. While it’s important to look towards the future, focus on how today can get you there. Perfect each component of your business before moving onto the next. Unfortunately, there will be bad days, but instead of getting discouraged, remember that each day gives you a whole 24 hours to turn it around.
Like my friend, don’t take anything for granted. Celebrate even the small victories to maintain a positive mindset as you continue to simultaneously chip away at capturing the big break. Most importantly, value your staff, supporters, partners, even new contacts and their contributions to your success. Solid businesses aren’t built on transactions, but relationships.
Sean was taken much too soon. Yet in his short life, he managed to create an everlasting legacy. In loving memory of him, I urge you to live as he did: love, laugh, fight and simply enjoy the moments.
At your service,
Jason Loeb
Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.
