Small Business Success: Leading With Your Heart

Chances are, you started your company because you knew you could offer something in a way that no one else could, but it’s easy to lose sight of that purpose when faced with the day-to-day realities of running a business. Small business success is directly related to how well its clients and community embrace it. Creating a unique bond with your customers is essential to growing your company. This means leading your business with intention, compassion and your heart.

For your organization to grow, your values, attitudes and philosophies should be a part of everything you do. Make sure that in the daily hustle of running your enterprise, your passion, enthusiasm and sense of mission for what you offer the world remains at the forefront. Keep reading for eight small business success tips as you embrace the joys, challenges and responsibilities that await.

Small Business Success: Leading With Your Heart

Embrace Authenticity

Let your unique identity shine through in every way. You and your business have a one-of-a-kind story; share it with your customers. Ignore what competitors are doing and saying and instead, ask yourself defining questions such as:

• What does my company stand for?
• What is the motivation to keep going?
• Is what we offer making customers happy?
• Do we offer the best service, and do we stand behind our product?
• What sets us apart, and what do our customers like best about our business?
• What is our brand?

By distinguishing yourself as a leader in your field, a servant leader, a community-minded member and someone others can trust, you and your company and your employees have a roadmap to making your business stand out.

Use Your Voice

Part of the appeal of patronizing a small business is the genuine personality and personal service they are known for. Don’t think you have to be formal and stiff to be professional. Let your voice shine through your website, product packaging and communications to customers. Personal touches like handwritten notes of thanks to a loyal customer, a dedicated employee or a supplier who goes above and beyond can help create heartfelt connections.

Stay Curious

Continually question how things are done and be open to new, better ways of doing things. Talk to your customers to learn more about their needs and perspectives. Ask your employees for their observations on how your company could run better. Become a student of business, leadership and your industry to keep a fresh flow of ideas coming into your head. Consume books, podcasts and other resources regularly to stay inspired.

Lift Up Others

When researching small business success stories, a common thread is the spirit of appreciation that flows throughout. Make your employees and customers feel special. Look for opportunities to show them that you appreciate them. Think of ways to help others grow. For example, if you have an employee interested in taking on more responsibility in other areas of the business, look for ways to help them professionally develop within your company. Happy employees will treat your customers better.

Prioritize Integrity

Treat others with the same courtesy and respect you would like to receive from them. Admit when you’ve made a mistake; offer a sincere apology and explain how you will fix it. Pay vendors on time, just as you want your clients to pay you on time. If an employee is a valuable asset to the company, treat them that way by paying them what they’re worth and sharing the rewards of success with them.

Give Back

Owning your own business allows you to support causes in the community that you truly believe in. Look for ways to help, whether donations of money, products, expertise or services. If funds are tight, be creative in finding ways to help—offer to serve as a collection site for donations of food or school supplies.

Give Yourself Time

Make time to give thoughts to improving your business instead of just going full speed ahead. Usually, this comes through delegating. If you have a staff, look for employees willing to grow and take on more responsibility. Compensate them accordingly. If you don’t have a team, consider getting a part-time virtual assistant or hiring someone for a few hours a week to do some of the work that doesn’t have to be done by you. An investment in getting help can pay dividends by creating the space you need to focus on making your company bigger and better.

Celebrate Wins Big and Small

As an entrepreneur, you probably have a fixed focus on your never-ending to-do list or things that need improvement. But take the time each day (or at least each week) to notice and celebrate everything going right. Show appreciation to your team on a regular basis for the hard work they have put into your business. Happy employees are more productive, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.

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