A growing number of business owners and experts believe that gratitude is fast becoming a powerful business strategy. In this video, I explore why using gratitude as a business strategy might be worthwhile for you.
What is gratitude?
Gratitude defined is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” Having a gratitude mindset means that we develop the thinking that our business or businesses have the ability not only to change our own lives, but also the lives of others for the better.
When we have a gratitude mindset, business becomes more about our customers, our crew, and our community, and less about money and profits. Being grateful essentially keeps you in a positive frame of mind by training you to focus on what you HAVE and what you CAN do.
Will implementing gratitude as a business strategy pay?
The short answer is yes—because people value those who care about them and their well-being.
- Consumers care when brands genuinely care. In a recent Havas Meaningful Brands Survey, it was found that 75% of global consumers expect brands to contribute to their well-being and quality of life.
- Companies that invest in employees implement policies that consider their values and well-being have happier and more productive employees.
- Consumers believe that companies can be both profitable and socially responsible. In a recent Edelman TrustBarometer survey, 75% of global consumers believe that companies can increase profits while improving economic and social conditions in their community.
How do you use gratitude as a business strategy?
Focus on what you have:
1. Focus on your team. In your quest to look at the gratitude mindset for your business, focus on your team—focusing on their strengths, their contributions, their overall well-being. Acknowledge their contributions for your business’s success. Formulate policies that consider your staff’s well-being.
2. Focus on your customers. How we treat our customers is a reflection on how we view them—if we strive to delight them, it shows that we love and appreciate them. Trying to understand their pain points and finding real solutions shows our appreciation.
If you authentically appreciate your people (by recognizing them for meaningful contributions) and value customers (by thanking them for doing business with you), your people will begin to understand the importance of gratitude in business.
Focus on what you can do:
1. Focus on goals. Set attainable goals for yourself and work towards them in everything you do. When you accomplish your goal, allow yourself to be grateful for the work you’ve put in and for the commitment you were able to keep in order to achieve your goals.
2. Focus on strengths. Committing to identifying the strengths in others and praising those individuals will strengthen your relationships and allow you to appreciate yourself on a stronger, higher level as well. When people notice that you thank them for their efforts, they’ll naturally work even harder to please you in the future. They may even start thanking you for your good work!
Conclusion:
Gratitude tempers our ambition to succeed in business by allowing us to recognize the people who help us along the way. It also provides meaning and purpose to why we continue to be in business. After all, life is not about how much you earn in the end, it is about the journey and how you use the resources your business brings into your life to live.
If you are interested to know more about what a business has to go through when facing exponential growth, you can download the first chapter of the book, ”$20K to $20 Million in 2 Years” absolutely free here. The chapter talks about the differences between a good and a great business and puts out questions that make you consider how you can turn your business from good to great.
