"The Biology of Business 2: Making the Connections."
In my last article, we took a look at how the three main parts of our business – the emotional, logistical and financial elements are all working together and influencing one other to produce a positive outcome. Now we’ll examine how these parts work together during a single transaction so that our business can continue to run – long-term, in a smooth and pleasurable way for everyone involved.
Although we tend to look at the needs of the customer, the employer, and the employees in a very distinct way, even though we have different roles to play, our needs are essentially the same. In essence, a short phrase that could be used sum up this idea is: “We all want to feel good about what we're doing!” Emotionally, we all desire to experience a positive feeling whenever possible. Logistically, we want a particular outcome to work out for us in a positive way. Financially, we would all like to get the most out of the money we are spending or making. So, let’s take it from the top…
When we first meet a clerk or a customer, what are we both looking for emotionally? A positive experience. So, this happens when we are both treating each other in a positive way. This energy combines and flows between us, so that we feel good about the moment we have together. Next up are the logistics which have the same end, but with a few “steps” in between. This might seem painfully obvious on the surface, but what isn’t underneath are how the emotional and logistical parts of this are directly connected to each other.
When we feel good emotionally, this feeling enhances how well we can think on the logical sides of our brain. So, being able to listen and respond appropriately comes naturally, when we put our positive foot forward during our encounters. This allows us to navigate easily through any concerns we have, but it also allows us to use the least amount of energy to make a positive outcome happen. It’s the combination of our positive words and actions here that make our brief time together very well spent! Add this mix to a great product or service we offer at a good price, and this “trifecta” in time, leaves a lasting impression on both of us. Employees gain a boost from what they’ve accomplished for the customer, the customer returns that energy, and continues onto whatever they were going to do. Of course, the repetition of this magic “feel good” formula, only ensures that the financial part of our business will be expanding, as well.
In any encounter we have – especially in business, this is what keeps all of us coming back for more. On the financial side, if the employees are receiving a good day’s pay for what they are doing, are treated with respect and the logistics work, then the circle is complete. In the long-term, this healthy cycle keeps all of us in business, so that we can continue to live and feel good about what we're doing. As an employer, we want to be thrilled about the bottom line at the end of the day, too. This is rarely ever in question when these three simple elements (positive emotions + logistics that work + profits) are in the right place. So, as you can see now, our prime needs even though we may have very different roles to play here, are the same...
However, in this day and age especially, business is not as “turn-key” as it used to be. Every one of us has experienced the exact opposite of this happy equation on a day-to-day basis. So, to get back to making things much easier, more profitable and enjoyable, just remember how these three elements are working together.
Emotionally, it’s common in the hustle to succeed, for us to forget that every encounter we have with another person is also our time, as well. We all are experiencing our lives together. Each one of us makes it possible for a successful outcome to occur. So, instead of trying to muster up energy to become more “positive,” you can simply remember before any encounter, that we would both like to enjoy the time we are spending. When we look at it from this point of view, we essentially put into this equation what we would like to get out of it, without very much effort. And as far as energy goes, in any positive encounter our energy combines to produce, even more than we had before! Let this be an incentive that makes you feel good emotionally and logistically, about the moves you're making throughout the day.
If we take life or our business in just one encounter at a time and give it the energy it needs, everything else will fall into place to keep this system working – from both sides of the counter. And, no matter where we are in life, isn’t that what we were looking for? A little piece of happiness to go right along with that materiel or financial need, we desired? Why, of course! Now just imagine how much positive energy is being built up in your business with hundreds of transactions a day. How’s that for a natural “buzz” for you, your employees, and your customers at the same time? See, I told you energy was efficient all on its own, when we handle it and ourselves in a positive way. It actually ends-up, doing most of the heavy lifting for you.
So, give this very simple “key" a turn in your next encounter with someone – at work, and out of it. Something tells me you’re going to be very surprised at just how easy “making things work” can really be...Enjoy it!
