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Change is a reality whether we want it or not. Business environments change, economies change, and team dynamics change. Technology changes rapidly. Life in general is about change. But if we habitually resist change, we limit the potential of all that’s available to us.
Necessary change is much easier when we choose to see it in a positive light. As we embrace change, we alter our perception of it from a bad thing to a good thing filled with potential and opportunity. Humans are amazing. They can accomplish great feats once they open their minds to possibility and then decide to take action.

A truly successful business — one that benefits the many and not merely the few — strives to create as much happiness and success as possible for customers, team members, business owners and the community while generating profits in the process. This balanced approach takes all players into account, spreading the fruits of everyone’s labor far and wide for the betterment of the whole.

If you’ve been in business for any length of time, it’s likely you understand the detrimental effects a lack of trust and loyalty exert on your culture, the success of your company and overall happiness. You probably also possess insights into the tremendous benefits trusting and loyal team members bring to your customers and operation. Trust supports loyalty in team members — if you have their backs, they’ll have yours.

Customer service constitutes an essential part of a truly successful business. The unfortunate truth for customers, however, is service is too often lacking or nonexistent. When that’s the case, customers take their business and favorable opinions elsewhere. By understanding what you value most in customer service and then duplicating those experiences for your customers, your business will stand out in a good way. You’ll benefit from more referrals and, in turn, enjoy more success.

As a business owner, you’re the foundation of your enterprise. The more energized, inspired and balanced you are, the stronger your company will be. When the quality of your life begins to fade, take notice and take action. In the end, each of us are left with the sum of the moments of our lives. We’ll either be pleased with the lives we lived or we won’t. Live your life with the intention of creating balance among its differing aspects and you’ll not only be more successful, but also — and perhaps more importantly — happier.

If you want your experience as a business owner to be more enjoyable and rewarding — and your company more successful — it’s imperative you build and maintain a dynamic and empowered team. This is accomplished by putting motivated and skilled individuals with positive attitudes in place and then assisting them in developing and using more of their potential.

Companies that choose to make it their business to foster happiness in their customers are the most enlightened and successful of all. They understand successful operations are first and foremost about serving people and ensuring their satisfaction. These businesses know that increasing the pleasure, satisfaction and happiness of the patrons who support them with their hard-earned dollars will build a base of loyal and referring customers.

If you’ve ever been in a situation in which a person in a position of leadership was irrational or verbally abusive and didn’t listen, you understand leadership is about actions, not titles. When a so-called leader adds to the dysfunction of a situation rather than contributing to its improvement, leadership is damaged and even destroyed. People come to distrust this person and loyalty evaporates. They lose the willingness to listen to this leader and respect for the person vanishes along with their desire to follow.

There are two ways to view marketplace competition. You can focus on others in your sector and take yourself and your company away from the success and happiness you desire. Or you can turn your attention toward your own company and your path to being the best you can be. The second choice offers a self-disciplined approach that will position you to make changes, improve operations and enjoy the fruits of your intentional efforts.