ClarityBV Blog

If an attitude of gratitude contributes to personal longevity, wouldn’t it apply to the life of a business?

Consider the work of Charles D. Kerns, PhD in Gratitude at Work. He believes, “Counting your blessings will benefit yourself and your organization.” His research indicates there are three proven tools to enhance gratitude:

1. Reflect on Three Good Things
2. Want What You Have
3. Communicate Gratitude

Do you routinely practice any of these things personally or professionally? Have you instituted “systems” to incorporate an environment of gratitude in your business?

One option might be to develop a Referral Recognition Program that helps automate the communication of gratitude.

Chris Anderson’s book, Free: The Future of a Radical Price was more about recent history than the future, but made good reading nonetheless.

The book provides a great reminder of the economic tie between abundance and scarcity. An abundance of information, such as we have now, creates a scarcity of attention. That makes personal connections and trusted relationships even more important in business development.

Did I pay to read the book? Nope, got it for “free” from my local library. I paid with my finite time and attention though…

Are we headed toward a day of free business valuations for everyone? Yes and no. “Free” valuation calculators and opinions are already widely available. Yet, companies and business owners still routinely spend large sums for qualified appraisals. Why? It’s like comparing a 30-second music preview on an mp3 player with a 2-hour live concert experience. Each serves a different purpose!

We welcomed a little boy into the world this past weekend. Along with many other thoughts and emotions, it caused me to reflect on the similarities of starting a business and parenting. It may involve sleepless nights, financial challenges, a roller coaster of highs and lows, etc. But, somehow, it is all worth it! My hope for my children and my business is that we leave the world a little better place than we found it.

Not an excuse to ignore the risks of identity theft, but “At the request of Members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission is delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule until June 1, 2010…” Details available here.