When it comes to generating business, most of the time it all comes down to three basic elements: needs, relationships, and actions. So today my intention is to leave you with a valuable nugget to take away in each category.
And, in all three of these areas, keep in mind that you can’t provide for others what you haven’t offered yourself.
Number one – needs. We all know that no matter what goods or services we provide – from branded swag, to super cool air, greener rooftops or support in selling your business for more green, what we’re providing meets the needs of our clients or customers. But how are you doing meeting your own basic needs? There’s a great acronym, HALT. Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. When you notice yourself experiencing any of these, stop and get the need met. If you’re hungry, eat. If you’re angry, find a healthy outlet to release the energy or a source of love or kindness. If you’re lonely, find connection and support. And if you’re tired, get some rest. Choices made from these depleted states don’t typically work out too well. But when we’re shored up, power and productivity follow.
Next, relationships. Again, in our businesses and practices, we’re forming relationships with our clients and customers. While sometimes, we can just focus on the “doing,” and just check the boxes, ultimately it helps to bring our humanity – to be kind and understanding, and to listen to what they’re looking to create. It helps us give them exactly what they want, or to create their masterpiece, to consistently get them there, or provide a jab well done. So today your challenge – should you choose to accept it – is to give yourself a gift. For no reason other than because you say so, do something for you out of the goodness of your heart. It doesn’t have to be grand or expensive. Maybe it’s just time to sit in the park and relax for a bit, or maybe it’s buying that fancier drink at Starbucks. Whatever it is, take that step to show yourself that you’re worth it. It will feel good and lead to you paying it forward.
Lastly, we know how important action is when it comes to our businesses and goals. Well, there’s a simple daily action that research shows can have a major impact on our lives.
As Charles Duhigg notes in his fascinating book, The Power of Habit, “making your bed every morning is correlated with better productivity, a greater sense of well-being, and stronger skills at sticking with a budget.”
And Navy Seal William H. McCraven, commander of the forces that led the raid to kill Osama bin Laden, said, “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.”
So my friends, in conclusion, if you want to create results in your business: meet your needs, treat yourself right, and make your bed!
