I’d pulled into the parking lot and settled back with my book while I waited for my kids to get out of school. It was a warm spring day and I’d rolled down the windows to enjoy the breeze. Soon I heard the deep bass approaching.
A little black car with the windows down and the music thumping pulled in next to my suburban. I figured that when they parked they’d turn off or turn down the music. No, it didn’t happen.
This is where I’d think the person would be aware of the world around them. Maybe everyone doesn’t share the same taste in loud booming music. That didn’t seem to be the case.
I’ll have to say the speakers were nice. The music was crisp, clear and rich. Yet it just wasn’t conducive to reading my book on the Power of Meaning. I’ll admit there were a variety of thoughts that went through my head about how I might respond to the situation.
But I decided to use the experience to write this article.
When you own your own business there are times, and maybe lots of times when things are challenging. At these times it can be easy to focus on yourself, your needs. You need more clients, better employees, more money, and more people to know about you. To play your music loud and forget about other people.
But life works better for everyone when you get out of a little ecosystem called You! As a business owner, you need to think about your clients. You need to consider their needs and how you can help them. It’s not just about you.
It will be harder and less rewarding if you only think about your needs.
If you want people to care enough about you to do business with you-you’ll need to care about them. In fact, you’ll want to care about them more than your own business. And in so doing your business will be cared for. That means you’ll be cared for.
Putting your clients first, thinking about their needs, desires, concerns, fears, and hopes are the secret to taking care of yourself. Yes, I know it can feel so backward. But I’ve found some of the best ways of thinking, living and doing can feel very backward.
Here’s to more thriving businesses that focus on taking care of their clients so their clients can take care of them.