The power of being nice is often underestimated.
Being nice is often harder than being nasty, especially when you are being treated badly. Having the strength to be nice can have a powerful effect and contribute significantly to long-term success in business.
Giving Time and sharing knowledge
One of the nicest things you can do is share your most valuable asset—your time. When you are willing to give your time to others, to listen, to provide input, to share your experience, and to help without any expectation of something in return, you become a positive force in your industry. You not only help your industry improve but create lasting connections with a vast network of people and companies. Sometimes people will ask for your help, but more often than not, you need to recognize opportunities to help and then offer it. So often, people are surprised by this simple act of kindness.
A rising tide lifts all boats
Business does not have to be cutthroat and cold. Those who feel this way have a mindset of scarcity. The idea of having only so many pieces of the pie and having to fight to get as much as you can at the expense of the other guy is flawed. It only holds back all stakeholders. Why not choose to look at life (and business) with a mindset of abundance? Just make a larger pie! Through collaboration and cooperation, an industry can grow, and the customer base for those doing the right things can expand. The nice guys can enjoy the rewards of creating positive energy and change.
Smart business
Being kind doesn’t mean you can’t be competitive and stand up for what you believe. It just means that you do it differently and respectfully. For example, you could treat a competitor horribly or act unethically to try and win some business. What happens when suddenly the competitor you treated so badly becomes your customer? More than anything, people remember how you made them feel. The business world is surprisingly small. Once you burn a bridge, it’s hard, if not impossible to rebuild that relationship.
Surprising returns
You never know when your past kindness will come back to you—a year, or even a decade later! Your small acts of kindness may be long forgotten, but not by the person who received it. Kindness creates lasting connections with people. Now it must be genuine. It has to be who you are, and given to all equally—not just those who you “think” have influence. But you can practice by looking for opportunities to be kind. Our character is established by your actions time and time again. Your reputation will earn you respect, and it will help you win in life and in business. It’s no secret that people do business with people they like. An added bonus is that when you make a mistake, people are far more likely to forgive you when they know the type of person you are. Your personal character can often have a far bigger impact than you might think. A happier you in 2017 I have saved the best for last: how being kind can be powerful in your personal life. It improves relationships, creates bonds that stand the test of time, makes you feel happier, and makes you more successful in everything you do. It’s a new year. Make 2017 a new beginning and show the world how kind you can be!
Our character is established by your actions time and time again. Your reputation will earn you respect, and it will help you win in life and in business. It’s no secret that people do business with people they like. An added bonus is that when you make a mistake, people are far more likely to forgive you when they know the type of person you are. Your personal character can often have a far bigger impact than you might think.
A happier you in 2017
I have saved the best for last: how being kind can be powerful in your personal life. It improves relationships, creates bonds that stand the test of time, makes you feel happier, and makes you more successful in everything you do. It’s a new year. Make 2017 a new beginning and show the world how kind you can be!
