If you’ve ever been an a difficult situation, you’ll know there’s amazing power in those 4 words. Just knowing someone cares enough to want to help us, by itself, can improve things.
What does this have to do with business?
Here’s the thing: Not every business owner reaches out to help others. This includes many business owners who have a kind heart and feel they ought to do more commercially, to help others in need. It’s understandable. By default, business owners are busy people. They have problems of their own to deal with. And they have employees and customers relying on them. Too few hours in the day, etc.
Of course, the same is true of all those business owners, who DO offer to help. If anything, they’re often even busier than the business owners, who tend not to reach out and help.
Is there a business case for genuine kindness?
I don’t know.
Maybe looking for a commercial angle renders the whole thing pointless. It ceases to be an act of kindness, and instead, becomes a calculated tactic, disguised as kindness. And once the target learns that someone tried to profit from their difficult situation, any good faith is destroyed.
Here’s what I do know.
Business is all about people, so it tends to reflect life in general. Just as selfish people usually have fewer friends, business owners who are perceived as selfish tend to have fewer business contacts, who feel motivated to recommend them and their selfish approach.
Since starting my business in 1994, here’s what I’ve found, time and time again: Business owners who are contribution focused, are regularly talked about for all the right reasons. They have zero problem with referrals, as people eagerly recommend them. Think about it… it’s more rewarding and less risky, to recommend someone who’s known for their kindness.
So, maybe there is an unintentional benefit from operating our business from a contribution mindset.
That’s worth considering, if you’re a business owner, with a kind heart, who wants to help, but finds it hard to justify the time required.
The small business owners I work with enjoy far more sales, attract better clients and grow amazing businesses.
If you want the same, here’s exactly how it happens.