Doing More of What Works…Business and Life Lessons
Isn’t it interesting how much your business life and your personal life cross-over? I know many people try to separate the two, and I guess in some areas you should; however, I’ve found that basic life and business lessons can be applied to both areas of life…in a good way.
Let me explain.
At its core, business is about relationships. We all know at the end of the day the goal of a business is to sell something of value to people who are in need of that service or product. You solve a problem, answer a question, make life a little more fun and easy for the person consuming your goods. And, people will do business with those they like, know and trust.
When you do this well, you have a thriving business; when you don’t, you are quickly passed over for something better.
Your personal life is filled with relationships too.
Spouse, kids, friends, family. The quality of those relationships determines how happy they are and how long they last. Some people can fake it for the short term; however, just like in business only high quality relationships built on a solid foundation of honesty and integrity will weather the storms of life and carry you safely into the future.
Even when there are bumps and challenges along the way!
I’m always amazed when I witness a business person who is attentive and generous with people they work with only to come home and treat their family in the complete opposite manner.
I’m more amazed when they don’t understand why their home life is not as happy as they would like it to be.
The bottom line is that you must invest in things you want to last.
If you only “try” or “dabble” in your business, your results will not be great. If you only “try” or “dabble” in your primary relationships, those results aren’t going to be great either.
You’ve got to be all in and you have to evaluate what’s working and what’s not.
The great thing is that when you are aware of what’s not working, you can change it. Instantly. (yes, it’s really that easy!)
I’ve seen it happen.
However, too often we hold on to our personal stories, relive the past over and over again even when (especially when) it’s painful, and hang on to what doesn’t serve us. You can’t receive more (and better) if your arms are full of stuff from the past.
Tracking Your Business
This is why it’s so important to track and evaluate your business marketing activities. Marketing is as much science as it is art.
When you initiate an ad campaign, write an article, create a video, or post something on social media it’s important to track and document what happens after you publish the content. By looking back on your records you can determine what’s working and do more of that and what’s not working so you can change or stop that activity.
Tracking your Relationships
Now, think about personal relationships. Some people do the exact opposite.
They feel like something isn’t working but rather than change or stop the activity so they can improve and move forward, they will waste time and energy re-living the past, or trying to force someone else to do what they want them to do, or fighting for acknowledgment that they are right and the other person is wrong.
Meanwhile, the “campaign” or relationship suffers. There is no room for love when one person has to be proven wrong in order for the other person to be validated that they are right.
In business, if a campaign bombs the smart thing is to evaluate why (so you don’t repeat the mistake) and then move on. You shouldn’t throw more money or time at a stinker. Fail fast; move on.
In relationships, it’s the same thing.
My husband and I have been together for over 32 years and if we’ve learned anything, it’s that you don’t continue to do what’s not working. If a mistake was made, an unkind word spoken, or someone was unintentionally hurt, we go through the process of resolving the problem and then move on.
It does no good to dwell in the past because the past is a place for lessons; not a place to live.
LIFE is Now
I invite you to try this. Just as you go through your business each day or each week to see what’s working, what’s not, and which direction you want your business to grow…do the same for your personal relationships.
Ask yourself:
• Did I bring something of value to the relationship?
• Did I let the other person / people know they are important?
• Did I over-deliver?
• Are we on track to reach the goals we have set for ourselves?
• If not, what needs to change in order to get back on track?
• Is there something in our lives that no longer serve us?
• Am I grateful for what I have; hopeful for what’s to come?
Life is meant to be fun! In a moment, you can completely change everything that’s not working simply by correcting your attitude, releasing what’s not working, and then doing more of what does work.
Until next time… Dawn
PS…I know, you want to say “but…I can’t…but you don’t understand…but he/she did this/that…” because you believe your story is different, your circumstances worse. Maybe they are, but more than likely they are not. I know, it’s hard…but just try. Try to release what doesn’t work; do more of what does; and dare to be happy. Do it as if you cannot fail.
