Shining Light On The Real Bottom Line
In business, revenue, expenses and profit are critical aspects to pay attention to: they require monitoring if the company is to remain viable and profitable. Given the challenging economic reality most businesses have faced over the past 3 years, the “bottom line” has become, for many, the primary or sole focus of ownership and management to an even greater degree.
There are a number of important people and factors that contributed to the very creation of your business, and others that now keep it viable and even profitable. It is imperative that these components of your business receive their due focus as well, lest they become neglected.
As you close out 2011 and move boldly into the coming year, the more effective your focus is – the more it takes into account all that makes your business possible – the greater your likelihood of staying viable and growing profitability. As you come to see the multitude of amazing gifts that allowed you to create, own and operate your business, you will become grateful. As your gratitude grows, you will take better care of these gifts, and – in return – they will continue to grow and give back to you.
The mere fact that you are alive is the greatest gift of all, and it is your very existence that first breathed life into your business. In addition, it is the lives of your team members, customers, vendors, business partners, community and business networks that continue to infuse your company with life.
On the personal side, your parents gifted you to this world. Other family members loved and nurtured you into adulthood, teachers educated you, and life supplied you with the experiences and support that made you who you are. Most likely, you now have a significant other and children who love you, support your vision and share you with the world so you can run your business. You have your health. Oh, the gifts you have!
With greater awareness of what has allowed your business to be, and all that continues to contribute to your ongoing success, you are less likely to take any of it for granted. And, when you don’t take the gifts in your life for granted, you have greater respect for them and treat them better. As you share your genuine appreciation with everyone involved in your life and business, they will have a tendency to give the same to you in return. This creates a wonderful circle of giving that makes business – and life – as great as they can be.
There are so many ways to express your gratitude this time of year. A hand-written Christmas card with a little something special inside selected just for that person, a party for your team members where each is recognized for their efforts with a plaque or certificate, monetary bonuses, a kind word of thanks, charitable giving, discounts or gift certificates to customers … the list goes on and on. The secret is to make your gesture personal, heartfelt and filled with authentic gratitude for what they do that makes your business all that it is.
With loved ones, one of the most powerful ways to show your appreciation is to give of yourself by spending quality time with them. Express your sincere appreciation for all they have done with and for you throughout your life. Let them know the special place they hold in your heart and mind, and allow them to share the same with you. Take time away from the business to fully engage in fun activities that everyone enjoys doing together. Gift them with your undivided attention and love.
Take stock of all you have in your life. Really count your blessings and let your mind and heart overflow with joy. Then, share your joy by giving back what you can to those around you who make your life wonderful. Give for the sheer joy of giving and let the very best within you rise up, and touch in profound ways, the very best that is within others.
Wishing You a Happy and Successful New Year!
