3 Ways to Inspire Ourselves and Others
by Adele Sommers
For many people, "business" means something distinctly separate from the idea of "personal." It's as if the two concepts co-exist on very different planes of thought and activity.
Why should that be? Our businesses express many aspects of our personal energy, which we can consciously choose to use to better not only our own lives, but those of our constituents and the world as a whole. This article considers three ways that you can channel your energies to achieve the greatest results for yourself and others.
Idea #1: We Can Succeed within Our Limitations
One of the greatest obstacles to business success, I've found, derives from our own perceptions of what we can or cannot accomplish. Many advice-givers today strive to emphasize how we can achieve wondrous results in record time. But how realistic is that expectation? If we don't receive an impressive payoff very quickly, does that mean we are unsuccessful, and that we shouldn't bother to continue?
 As a member of the "get rich slowly" movement, I believe that we can do a major disservice to ourselves if we allow others to dictate our pace and business expectations.
And all by ourselves, we can be unrealistic, too -- it's easy to do if we have no basis for comparison. Either way, setting the bar too high can become a recipe for disappointment, as many New Year's resolution makers have found.
As a case in point, I personally need eight hours of sleep a night, require two to three exercise workouts a day, and have many limitations in terms of what I can eat. This means that I'm not ideally suited for the speaking circuit, for example, where I would often be traveling under unpredictable conditions, would surely miss workouts, and would be exposed to many foods that could be very problematic for me.
What this means is that I must pace myself and negotiate with my limitations to avoid burnout, because I intend to remain in business for the long haul. The same applies to anyone who has a full-time job or commitments, handicaps, or illnesses that would slow the pace of starting a business. As my mother used to say, "Just do the best you can...poco a poco, se anda lejos!" ("Little by little, you will go far.")
Using financial results as the only metric of success can be another sure-fire way to become discouraged and fail to establish momentum. What other indicators matter to your success? Goodwill and recognition in your community or company? Credibility and visibility in your area of expertise? The number of affiliations in your network? Focusing on these kinds of building blocks can help you realistically and methodically set the conditions for financial success. Similar to the maxim in real estate, think, "foundation, foundation, foundation."
Idea #2: We're Really in the Encouragement Business
What kind of business did you say are you in? If you didn't answer, "I'm in the encouragement business!" then I would ask you to please think again!
 Whether you offer a product or service, or have any role in an organization, your job in the overarching scheme of things is to help people succeed.
That success might occur through people using your offerings to achieve their most important goals, or through people finding ways to express their talents in your organization.
For instance, when people come to me with intentions of starting a new business, I see one of my primary roles as offering unconditional support. When they have been incubating ideas for unusual products or services that really stretch the imagination, they are often consumed with a compelling, long-term desire to bring them to fruition.
These entrepreneurs must continue to believe in themselves and their inventions while they seek financing and a team of people who can help them launch. Encouragement becomes a kind of sustenance that helps them weather the uncertainties ahead.
Here's an idea: Walk down the street offering "random acts of encouragement." Instead of being preoccupied with your own thoughts, try looking around for ways to cheer people on. Imagine the magic sparkle you'll ignite by issuing compliments and kudos to the next five people you meet! Make it a habit and start changing the world.
Idea #3: Are You Your Clients' or Customers' Biggest Fan?
When you think of your "clients," do you see yourself as playing a caring, fiduciary role as their benefit provider? If so, it's because the definition of the term suggests the presence of a relationship -- one that will endure over time to enable you to provide benefits to someone whose well being you care about.
 Ideally, you would also think about your "customers" in the same way, which means not letting the relationship dissipate soon after someone buys from you. In any case, while you're thinking about your clients and customers, ask yourself the following:
1) Are you their greatest fan and supporter? Along the lines of encouragement, do you take every occasion to acknowledge and congratulate their successes, as modest or significant as they might be? Since they have honored you by requesting your aid, and you have been privileged to provide assistance, you can help them celebrate the results!
2) Do you aim to ensure their downstream success? Are you consciously considering the success of not just your clients, but also your clients' clients, and even your clients' clients' clients? By striving to produce an ongoing chain of benefits and satisfaction, you are providing products, services, or other offerings that not only fill your coffers but also provide significant and lasting returns to your clients and customers.
In conclusion, by working realistically with your limitations, making the effort to encourage those around you, and supporting your clients and customers to the utmost, you can help construct and then affirm the highest good for yourself and others.
Copyright 2007 Adele Sommers
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