3 Reasons Business Owners Should Practice Gratitude
As a business owner, how often are you grateful in your business life? Sure, there’s Thanksgiving, but is that the only time you think about being grateful? Or, do you stop and reflect on all the blessings your business has received at the end of each year? Or, do you have a special customer appreciation event once or twice a year to say thanks for customers’ patronage? Whatever your current practice is, gratitude is a habit we should adopt every day.
When we embrace an attitude of gratitude, we’re making a lifestyle and mindset choice to acknowledge everything we have received as well as future opportunities to come. Practicing daily gratitude can drastically change your life and business. Therefore, here are 3 reasons why you need to express daily gratitude in your business:
- Gratitude opens your mind to solutions.
When business owners simply concentrate on the obstacles in their business, they tend to become complainers – exuding negativity. And, let’s face – no one wants to be around continual whiners. As a coach, I’ve noticed when you practice gratitude, your mindset changes from being a “Debbie Downer” to a “Positive Patty,” who exudes optimism and confidence. You stop being a passive participant in your business. You no longer focus on your problems as problems. Instead, they become opportunities for solutions and growth.
What do you need to do? Keep a daily gratitude journal. Watch your words – change them from those of negativity to optimism. Be grateful for the solutions and opportunities you receive.
“Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices.” – Robert Braathe
2. Gratitude builds positive client relationships.
Your customers are your No. 1 assets. Without customers, where would your business be? Likely, not in business for very long. Therefore, building positive customer relationships is essential!
The first step is to make your customers feel valued. When you express your gratitude for their business, your customers will begin to trust you. And trust can lead to customer loyalty.
What do you need to do? Say thank you – in person, on the phone, and in writing. Write handwritten notes to show you’ve taken the time to really think about your relationship with the customer and what it means to you.
“Although thanks is a rather simple one-syllable word that too often is used without true feeling, when used with sincerity, no collection of words can be more meaningful or expressive.” – John Wooden.
3. Gratitude brings more business opportunities.
When you thank customers for their business, you’re treating them with respect, which can cultivate reciprocal generosity toward your business. Also, when customers feel respected, they’re more likely to refer your business to others, which can lead to new sales. Being thankful opens doors to abundance.
What do you need to do? Continually thank your customers for their business and any referrals they may give you. Offer your customers a token of your gratitude, like free merchandise or services, a gift, or take them to lunch. Believe abundance will come to you and your business.
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward
As a member of the John Maxwell Team and a mastermind facilitator in “Intentional Living,” I can tell that being intentional through gratitude is not easy to do at first. But if you stick with it, it will become easier over time. If you’re still not convinced, give it a try for month. What have you got to lose? Eventually, an attitude of gratitude will become second nature, and you’re start to see the positive difference it can make in your business.
To your success!
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